Shloka 51
Rajo-dhūli-saṃmūḍha-saṅgrāmaḥ
The Dust-Obscured Battle and Mutual Charges
शरैरेकायनीकुर्वन् दिश: सर्वा यतव्रतः । जघान पाण्डवरथानादिश्यादिश्य भारत,भारत! नियमपूर्वक व्रतोंका पालन करनेवाले भीष्म सम्पूर्ण दिशाओंमें बाणोंसे एक रास्ता बना देते और पाण्डवरथियोंको चुन-चुनकर--उनके नाम ले-लेकर मारते थे
śarair ekāyanīkurvan diśaḥ sarvā yatavrataḥ | jaghāna pāṇḍava-rathān ādiśyādiśya bhārata ||
Sanjaya said: Observant of his vows and disciplined in conduct, Bhishma, with volleys of arrows, seemed to carve a single clear passage through every direction. Then, O Bharata, he struck down the Pandava chariot-warriors one by one—calling them out by name as he targeted them—displaying both mastery in war and unwavering commitment to his chosen duty on the battlefield.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the Mahabharata’s recurring tension between ethical restraint and violent duty: Bhishma is portrayed as 'yatavrata'—self-governed by vows—yet he applies that discipline to fulfill his battlefield obligation. It suggests that inner restraint (vrata) can coexist with harsh action when one is committed to a chosen dharma, even though the moral cost of war remains implicit.
Sanjaya describes Bhishma’s dominance in battle: his arrows are so forceful and continuous that they seem to open a clear corridor in every direction. He then targets the Pandava chariot-fighters selectively, calling them out by name as he strikes them down, emphasizing precision, command, and intimidation on the battlefield.