Shloka 13
अत्रिणा त्वथ सामर्थ्य कृतमुत्तमतेजसा । द्विजेनाग्निद्धितीयेन जपता चर्मवाससा
atriṇā tv atha sāmarthyaṁ kṛtam uttama-tejasā | dvijena agni-dvitīyena japatā carma-vāsasā ||
ビーシュマは言った。「ここに示された聖仙アトリの並外れた力を見よ。至上の霊的光輝に満ちたその“二度生まれ”（ドヴィジャ）は、聖なる火を常の伴侶として守り、厳しい行に住し、鹿皮をまとって真言を誦していた。彼の業の偉大さを見よ。私はすでに、この卓越したアトリの行いを詳しく語った。ゆえに言う、ブラーフマナこそ最上である。さあ答えよ、アトリに勝るクシャトリヤがどこにいるのか。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma highlights that true superiority is grounded in tapas, ritual steadiness, and spiritual radiance (tejas). By pointing to Atri’s disciplined life—Agnihotra, japa, and ascetic simplicity—he argues that brahminical excellence is measured by inner power and dharmic practice rather than worldly force.
Bhīṣma is citing the example of the sage Atri’s remarkable accomplishment and asking his listener to recognize Atri’s greatness. He uses this as a rhetorical challenge: if one seeks a kṣatriya greater than Atri, who would it be—implying that Atri’s spiritual achievements surpass typical martial standards of greatness.