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
जड गदा उचलून चालवणे असो वा रणात बाण फेकणे; वेग, लक्ष्य साधणे, भोजन-बल किंवा धुळीत ओढणे अशा पराक्रमांत—(या सर्व कसोट्यांत) तोच श्रेष्ठ ठरतो.
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.