Shloka 12
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Pāṇḍava-Alliance Warriors (Śikhaṇḍin, Dhṛṣṭadyumna, and Allied Kings)
उद्यन्तुं वा गदा गुर्वी: शरान् वा क्षेप्तुमाहवे । जवे लक्ष्यस्य हरणे भोज्ये पांसुविकर्षणे
udyantuṁ vā gadā gurvīḥ śarān vā kṣeptum āhave | jave lakṣyasya haraṇe bhojye pāṁsuvikarṣaṇe
ビーシュマは言った。「重い棍棒を持ち上げて振るうことでも、戦場で矢を放つことでも、速さでも、標的を奪い取ることでも、力比べでも、塵の中で引きずり合うことでも――そのような武の試みにおいて、彼は抜きん出ている。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the Kṣatriya ideal of comprehensive martial competence—strength, weapon-skill, speed, and dominance in combat—presented as qualities worthy of recognition and strategic consideration.
Bhīṣma is describing and praising a warrior’s capabilities by listing various battlefield and athletic tests—wielding heavy maces, shooting arrows, speed, seizing the target, feats of strength, and overpowering an opponent—emphasizing excellence across disciplines.