Shloka 12
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Sañjaya-saṃvādaḥ; madhyāhna-saṅgrāma-pravṛttiḥ
Dhritarashtra–Sanjaya dialogue and the midday battle escalation
तथा शान्तनवं भीष्म श्वैताश्वं श्वेतकार्मुकम् । न शेकुः पाण्डवा द्रष्टूं श्वेत ग्रहमिवोदितम्,इसी प्रकार श्वेत घोड़े तथा श्वेत धनुषवाले शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्मको श्वेत ग्रहके समान उदित देख पाण्डवसैनिक उनसे आँख न मिला सके
tathā śāntanavaṁ bhīṣmaṁ śvaitāśvaṁ śvetakārmukam | na śekuḥ pāṇḍavā draṣṭuṁ śveta-graham ivoditam ||
Sañjaya said: In the same way, the Pāṇḍava warriors could not even bear to look upon Bhīṣma, the son of Śantanu—mounted on white horses and wielding a white bow—when he rose before them like a bright white planet in the sky. The image underscores how Bhīṣma’s disciplined might and renowned righteousness, now turned to the battlefield, overawed even seasoned fighters and tested their steadiness of mind in war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how moral stature and disciplined power can create a formidable presence: Bhīṣma’s renowned dharma and mastery in arms inspire awe, reminding warriors that inner steadiness is as crucial as weapons in the ethical trial of battle.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīṣma, conspicuous with white horses and a white bow, rises on the battlefield with such brilliance and terror that the Pāṇḍava-side soldiers cannot meet his gaze, likened to looking at a bright white planet newly risen in the sky.