Shloka 3
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Pāṇḍava-Alliance Warriors (Śikhaṇḍin, Dhṛṣṭadyumna, and Allied Kings)
नरेश! अब यदि पाण्डवोंकी सेनाके विषयमें भी जानकारी करनेके लिये तुम्हारे मनमें कौतूहल हो तो इन भूमिपालोंके साथ तुम उनके रथियोंकी गणना सुनो ।।
nareśa! atha yadi pāṇḍavānāṁ senā-viṣaye ’pi jñātuṁ tava manasi kautūhalaṁ bhavet, tarhi ebhir bhūmipālaiḥ saha teṣāṁ rathināṁ gaṇanāṁ śṛṇu. svayaṁ rājā rathodāraḥ pāṇḍavaḥ kuntīnandanaḥ; agnivat samare tāta cariṣyati na saṁśayaḥ.
ビーシュマは言った。「王よ、もしパーンダヴァ軍についても知りたいと思うなら、これらの諸王とともに、彼らの車戦士の数え上げを聞くがよい。パーンダヴァその人、クンティーの子にして車威輝く王は、戦場を火のごとく駆け巡るであろう、わが子よ。そこに疑いはない。」
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores kṣatriya ethos and the inevitability of martial prowess once dharma-bound conflict is set in motion: leaders must assess forces soberly, and a righteous king is expected to act decisively in battle—here portrayed through the fire-like energy of the Pāṇḍava king.
Bhīṣma, addressing the Kuru king, transitions from discussing one side’s forces to offering an enumeration of the Pāṇḍavas’ chariot-warriors, beginning by highlighting the Pāṇḍava king (Yudhiṣṭhira), whom he predicts will range through battle like fire.