Shloka 18
त॑ चरन्तं रणे पार्था ददृशु: कौरवं युधि । मृगमध्यं प्रविश्येव यथा सिंहशिशुं वने,जैसे सिंहका बच्चा वनके भीतर मृगोंके झुंडमें घुसकर खेल कर रहा हो, उसी प्रकार कुन्तीकुमारोंने युद्धमें विचरते हुए कुरुवंशी भीष्मको वहाँ देखा
taṁ carantaṁ raṇe pārthā dadṛśuḥ kauravaṁ yudhi | mṛga-madhyaṁ praviśyeva yathā siṁha-śiśuṁ vane ||
サンジャヤは言った。「プリターの子らは、戦のただ中を行き来するクル族のビ―シュマを見た。彼は森で鹿の群れの中へ踏み入る若き獅子のように、恐れず、悠然としていた――そのようにしてパーンダヴァたちは、戦場を駆け巡る彼を目にした。」
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of steadfast courage in one’s appointed duty (kṣatriya-dharma): Bhīṣma moves through battle with the composure and fearlessness of a lion among deer, illustrating how inner resolve and mastery over fear shape moral stature in crisis.
Sanjaya reports that the Pāṇḍavas observe Bhīṣma, the Kuru elder and commander, roaming powerfully across the battlefield. The poet uses a vivid simile—like a lion-cub entering a herd of deer—to convey Bhīṣma’s dominance and the intimidation felt by opponents.