Shloka 15
Chapter 51: Saṃdhyākāla-saṃhāra
Evening Withdrawal after Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
लब्धलक्षतया कार्ष्णे: सर्वे भीष्ममुखा रथा: । सत्त्ववन्तममन्यन्त साक्षादिव धनंजयम्
labdhalakṣatayā kārṣṇeḥ sarve bhīṣmamukhā rathāḥ | sattvavantam amanyanta sākṣād iva dhanañjayam |
サञ्जयは語った。カールシュニ（Kārṣṇi、アビマンニュ）の確かな命中を見て、ビーシュマ（Bhīṣma）を先頭とする車上の戦士たちは皆、彼を比類なき勇者と認めた—まるでダナンジャヤ（Arjuna）その人が現れたかのように。的を射抜くその業は、規律ある技と勇気を示し、戦の敵対の中にあっても老練の武人たちに功徳を認めさせたのである。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid hostility, true excellence compels recognition. The verse highlights kṣatriya values—discipline, courage, and skill—and shows that merit (sattva) can be acknowledged by elders and opponents alike, reinforcing an ethic of honoring prowess and character.
Sañjaya reports that Abhimanyu’s successful target-striking and swift prowess impress the battlefield’s senior chariot-warriors. Bhīṣma and the others, seeing his capability, regard him as virtually equal to Arjuna himself.