Shloka 80
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
विशीर्णनागाश्चवरथध्वजौघं भीष्मेण वित्रासितसर्वयोधम् । युधिषछ्टिरानीकमभि द्रवन्तं प्रोवाच संदृश्य शिनिप्रवीर:,युधिष्ठिरकी सेनाके हाथी, घोड़े, रथ और ध्वजाओंके समूह तितर-बितर हो गये थे। भीष्मने उनके सम्पूर्ण योद्धाओंको भयभीत कर दिया था। इस प्रकार युधिष्ठिरके सैनिकोंको भागते देख शिनिवंशके प्रमुख वीर सात्यकिने उनसे कहा--
sañjaya uvāca |
viśīrṇa-nāgāś ca vara-ratha-dhvaja-oghaṁ bhīṣmeṇa vitrāsita-sarva-yodham |
yudhiṣṭhirānīkam abhi dravantaṁ provāca saṁdṛśya śini-pravīraḥ ||
Sanjaya said: When Bhishma had shattered the mass of elephants, fine chariots, and standards, and had struck terror into all the warriors, the army of Yudhishthira began to flee. Seeing those troops in flight, the foremost hero of the Shini line—Satyaki—addressed them, seeking to steady their resolve amid the moral strain of battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a righteous cause, fear and collapse can arise; dharmic leadership is shown by restoring courage and order without hatred—meeting crisis with steadiness, counsel, and disciplined action.
Bhishma’s assault has thrown Yudhishthira’s forces into disarray—elephants, chariots, and banners are scattered and the warriors panic. Satyaki, the leading Shini warrior, sees the retreat and speaks to the fleeing troops to rally them.