Shloka 22
स उत्पन् वै रथोपस्थे दर्शयन् पाणिलाघवम् | अलातचक्रवद् राजंस्तत्र तत्र सम दृश्यते,राजन्! उस समय भीष्म अपने हाथकी फुर्ती दिखाते हुए रथकी बैठकपर नृत्य-सा कर रहे थे। घूमते हुए अलातचक्रकी भाँति वे यत्र-तत्र सर्वत्र दिखायी देने लगे
sa utpannaiva rathopasthe darśayan pāṇilāghavam | alātacakravad rājan tatra tatra sama dṛśyate ||
Sañjaya said: “Even as he rose upon the chariot-seat, Bhīṣma displayed the swift dexterity of his hands. O King, like a whirling firebrand forming a wheel of flame, he seemed to appear everywhere at once—here and there—through sheer speed and mastery in battle.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how disciplined mastery and focused skill can create an overwhelming battlefield presence. Ethically, it reflects the kṣatriya ideal of excellence in one’s duty (svadharma) while reminding the listener that perception in war is shaped by speed, technique, and psychological impact.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīṣma, standing and moving upon the chariot-seat, is fighting with such rapid hand-work that he seems to be everywhere at once—likened to the circular blaze seen when a firebrand is whirled.