Shloka 24
अम्बा–राम–भीष्म संवादः
Amba–Rama–Bhishma Dialogue on Vow and Refuge
भीष्म उवाच ततस्तृतीये दिवसे संदिदेश व्यवस्थित: । कुरु प्रियं स मे राजन् प्राप्तोडस्मीति महाव्रतः
bhīṣma uvāca tatastṛtīye divase saṃdideśa vyavasthitaḥ | kuru priyaṃ sa me rājan prāpto ’smi iti mahāvrataḥ ||
भीष्म म्हणाले—त्यानंतर तिसऱ्या दिवशी एका ठिकाणी थांबून महान् व्रतधारी परशुरामांनी मला संदेश पाठविला—“राजन्! मी येथे आलो आहे; तू माझे प्रिय कार्य कर.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring Mahabharata ethical pressure-point: when a powerful, revered figure issues a demand, one must still weigh the request against dharma and one’s own vowed obligations. Respect for authority is important, but it can become a test of integrity when it conflicts with duty.
On the third day, Parashurama—described as a great vow-keeper—halts at a place and sends Bhishma a message announcing his arrival and asking Bhishma to do what pleases him, setting the stage for a consequential confrontation or negotiation.