Shloka 25
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
शिखण्डी तु समासाद्य भरतानां पितामहम् | अभिदुद्राव वेगेन तिष्ठ तिछेति चाब्रवीत्,शिखण्डी भरतवंशके पितामह भीष्मके पास पहुँचकर उनकी ओर बड़े वेगसे दौड़ा और बोला--'खड़ा रह, खड़ा रह”
sañjaya uvāca | śikhaṇḍī tu samāsādya bharatānāṃ pitāmaham | abhidudrāva vegena tiṣṭha tiṣṭheti cābravīt |
Sañjaya berkata: Kemudian Śikhaṇḍī mendekati Bhīṣma—datuk agung kaum Bharata—lalu menerpa dengan laju yang besar sambil berseru, “Berdiri! Berdiri!”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension of dharma-yuddha: even revered elders like Bhishma may be confronted when duty, vows, and past deeds converge into unavoidable conflict. It underscores how personal resolve and moral complexity shape action on the battlefield.
Sanjaya reports that Shikhandi advances rapidly toward Bhishma and challenges him directly, calling out for him to stand and face the encounter—setting up a decisive confrontation involving Bhishma’s constraints and Shikhandi’s role in the battle.