Shloka 49
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
संजय उवाच ततो<श्चवान् रजतप्रख्यान् नोदयामास माधव: । यतो भीष्मरथो राजन दुष्प्रेक्ष्यो रश्मिवानिव,संजय कहते हैं--राजन्! तब भगवान् श्रीकृष्णने अर्जुनके चाँदीके समान सफेद घोड़ोंको उसी दिशाकी ओर हाँका, जिस ओर भीष्मजीका रथ विद्यमान था। सूर्यकी भाँति उस रथकी ओर आँख उठाकर देखना भी कठिन था
sañjaya uvāca tato ’śvān rajata-prakhyān nodayāmāsa mādhavaḥ | yato bhīṣma-ratho rājan duṣprekṣyo raśmivān iva ||
Sañjaya said: Then Mādhava (Kṛṣṇa) urged on Arjuna’s horses, white as silver, driving them toward the direction where Bhīṣma’s chariot stood. O King, that chariot was hard to look at—radiant, as if it were the sun itself—signaling the formidable, almost unapproachable presence of the elder who now fights for the Kauravas despite his own inner commitments to dharma.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in the chaos of war, action is guided by resolve and duty: Kṛṣṇa, as charioteer and guide, directs Arjuna toward the most formidable opponent, illustrating steadiness in pursuing one’s appointed responsibility (svadharma) despite fear or awe.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Kṛṣṇa urges Arjuna’s silvery-white horses forward toward Bhīṣma’s position. Bhīṣma’s chariot is described as dazzling and difficult to look at, emphasizing his overwhelming martial presence on the battlefield.