Shloka 63
तेडभिवाद्य ततो भीष्म॑ कृत्वा च त्रि: प्रदक्षिणम् । विधाय रक्षां भीष्मस्य सर्व एव समन्ततः,राजन्! आपके पितृतुल्य भीष्मको उपर्युक्त तकिया देकर उन नरेश, पाण्डव तथा महारथी कौरव सभीने एक साथ सुन्दर बाणशय्यापर सोये हुए महात्मा भीष्मके पास जाकर उन्हें प्रणाम करके उनकी तीन बार प्रदक्षिणा की और सब ओरसे भीष्मकी रक्षाकी व्यवस्था करके सभी वीर अपने शिविरको ही चल दिये। वे अत्यन्त आतुर होकर भीष्मका ही चिन्तन कर रहे थे। सायंकालमें खूनसे लथपथ हुए वे सब लोग अपने निवासस्थानपर गये
te 'bhivādya tato bhīṣmaṁ kṛtvā ca triḥ pradakṣiṇam | vidhāya rakṣāṁ bhīṣmasya sarva eva samantataḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Having then paid homage to Bhīṣma and having circumambulated him three times, all of them arranged protection for Bhīṣma on every side. Thus, after honoring the grandsire lying on his bed of arrows, the warriors withdrew to their own camps—though inwardly anxious and absorbed in thoughts of him. The scene underscores a moment of reverence and duty amid war: even enemies and allies alike acknowledge the moral authority of the elder and ensure his safety when he is helpless.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in the harshness of war, dharma expresses itself through reverence, gratitude, and protection of the vulnerable—especially elders and teachers. The act of salutation and pradakṣiṇā signals recognition of Bhīṣma’s moral stature beyond factional enmity.
After approaching Bhīṣma (who lies incapacitated), the assembled warriors salute him, circumambulate him three times, and post guards around him. Having ensured his safety, they return to their camps, mentally preoccupied with his condition.