Shloka 64
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
वार्ष्णेयं च शरैस्तीक्ष्पै: कम्पयामास रोषित: । मुहुर॒भ्यर्दयन् भीष्म: प्रहस्य स्वनवत् तदा,इतना ही नहीं, रोषमें भरे हुए भीष्मने जोर-जोरसे हँसकर अपने तीखे बाणोंसे बारंबार पीड़ित करते हुए वृष्णिकुलभूषण श्रीकृष्णको कम्पित-सा कर दिया
vārṣṇeyaṃ ca śarais tīkṣṇaiḥ kampayāmāsa roṣitaḥ | muhur abhyardayan bhīṣmaḥ prahasya svanavat tadā ||
Sañjaya said: Enraged, Bhīṣma shook Vārṣṇeya (Śrī Kṛṣṇa) with his razor-sharp arrows, repeatedly pressing him hard; and at that moment Bhīṣma laughed aloud with a resonant, lion-like sound. The scene underscores the ferocity of dharma-yuddha, where even the most revered are subjected to the impartial violence of battle, and where a warrior’s exultation can coexist with relentless duty.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the uncompromising intensity of dharma-yuddha: a warrior like Bhīṣma, bound to his side’s duty, fights with full force even against the most venerable opponent. It also cautions that martial exhilaration (loud laughter, triumph) can accompany violence, making ethical self-restraint and clarity of purpose essential.
Sañjaya describes Bhīṣma, in anger, repeatedly assailing Kṛṣṇa (called Vārṣṇeya) with sharp arrows, making him appear to tremble; Bhīṣma simultaneously laughs loudly, signaling confidence and fierce momentum in the battle.