Shloka 14
अध्याय १६९ — भीष्मस्य पाण्डवसेनाप्रशंसा तथा शिखण्डिविषये नियमः
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Pāṇḍava Forces and His Constraint Regarding Śikhaṇḍin
लोकवीरीौ महेष्वासौ त्यक्तात्मानौ च भारत | प्रत्ययं परिरक्षन्ती महत् कर्म करिष्यत:
lokavīrau maheṣvāsau tyaktātmānau ca bhārata | pratyayaṁ parirakṣantau mahat karma kariṣyataḥ ||
हे भारत! ते दोघेही जगप्रसिद्ध वीर, महान धनुर्धर, आत्मविस्मृत होऊन युद्ध करतील. आपल्या प्रतिज्ञेचा विश्वास व मान राखून, देहाची पर्वा न करता रणभूमीवर महान पुरुषार्थ प्रकट करतील।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse elevates fidelity to one’s pledge (pratyaya) and honor as a central kṣatriya ethic: true greatness is shown when warriors protect trust and reputation even at personal risk, placing duty above bodily attachment.
Bhīṣma, addressing Dhṛtarāṣṭra as ‘Bhārata,’ foretells that two famed warrior-kings (great archers) will soon undertake a decisive martial action, fighting with disregard for their own safety in order to uphold their pledged word and standing.