Shloka 36
Chapter 47: Krauñca-vyūha Deployment and Conch-Signals
Kaurava–Pāṇḍava Readiness
तमुवाच तत:ः पादौ कराभ्यां पीड्य पाण्डव: । भीष्मं शान्तनवं राजा युद्धाय समुपस्थितम्,वहाँ जाकर उन पाण्डुनन्दन राजा युधिष्ठिरने अपने दोनों हाथोंसे पितामहके चरणोंको दबाया और युद्धके लिये उपस्थित हुए उन शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्मसे इस प्रकार कहा
tam uvāca tataḥ pādau karābhyāṃ pīḍya pāṇḍavaḥ | bhīṣmaṃ śāntanavaṃ rājā yuddhāya samupasthitam ||
Sañjaya said: Then the Pāṇḍava king, pressing the grandsire’s feet with both hands in reverence, addressed Bhīṣma, the son of Śantanu, who stood ready for battle. The scene underscores the ethical tension of war: even as conflict becomes inevitable, the warrior-king upholds dharma through humility, respect for elders, and seeking rightful consent or blessing before engaging in violence.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in unavoidable conflict, dharma is upheld through humility and reverence: the righteous king honors the elder and seeks moral clarity/permission before engaging in battle, showing that ethical conduct does not cease in wartime.
On the battlefield preparations, Yudhiṣṭhira approaches Bhīṣma, respectfully presses/clasps his feet with both hands, and then speaks to him as Bhīṣma stands ready to fight—highlighting the familial and moral complexity of the Kurukṣetra war.