Shloka 21
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
शिरांसि रथिनां भीष्म: पातयामास संयुगे । तालेभ्य: परिपक्वानि फलानि कुशलो नर:,भीष्म उस युद्धस्थलमें रथियोंके मस्तक काट-काटकर उसी प्रकार गिराने लगे, जैसे कोई कुशल मनुष्य ताड़के वृक्षोंसे पके हुए फलोंको गिरा रहा हो
sañjaya uvāca | śirāṃsi rathināṃ bhīṣmaḥ pātayāmāsa saṃyuge | tālebhyaḥ paripakvāni phalāni kuśalo naraḥ ||
Sañjaya berkata: Di tengah pertempuran, Bhīṣma terus menebas kepala para pahlawan berkereta, menjatuhkannya satu demi satu—seperti orang mahir menjatuhkan buah yang masak dari pohon palma.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how extraordinary skill in warfare can make killing seem effortless, prompting reflection on the grave ethical burden of violence even when performed under the banner of kṣatriya-duty.
Sañjaya describes Bhīṣma’s devastating performance in battle: he strikes down the heads of chariot-fighters, compared to a skilled person knocking ripe palm fruits down from the trees.