Shloka 22
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
स उत्पन् वै रथोपस्थे दर्शयन् पाणिलाघवम् | अलातचक्रवद् राजंस्तत्र तत्र सम दृश्यते,राजन्! उस समय भीष्म अपने हाथकी फुर्ती दिखाते हुए रथकी बैठकपर नृत्य-सा कर रहे थे। घूमते हुए अलातचक्रकी भाँति वे यत्र-तत्र सर्वत्र दिखायी देने लगे
sa utpannaiva rathopasthe darśayan pāṇilāghavam | alātacakravad rājan tatra tatra sama dṛśyate ||
Sañjaya berkata: “Wahai Raja! Pada saat itu, Bhīṣma bangkit di atas tempat duduk kereta perang, memperlihatkan ketangkasan tangannya yang pantas. Seperti obor berputar yang membentuk roda api, baginda seakan-akan muncul di mana-mana—di sini dan di sana—semata-mata kerana kelajuan dan penguasaan dalam pertempuran.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how disciplined mastery and focused skill can create an overwhelming battlefield presence. Ethically, it reflects the kṣatriya ideal of excellence in one’s duty (svadharma) while reminding the listener that perception in war is shaped by speed, technique, and psychological impact.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīṣma, standing and moving upon the chariot-seat, is fighting with such rapid hand-work that he seems to be everywhere at once—likened to the circular blaze seen when a firebrand is whirled.