Shloka 7
Jaitrya-nimitta: Signs of Prospective Victory and the Priority of Conciliation (जयलक्षण-निमित्त तथा सान्त्व-प्रधान नीति)
गोमायवश्चानुकूला बलगृध्रा श्व सर्वश: । अर्हयेयुर्यदा सेनां तदा सिद्धिरनुत्तमा
gomāyavaścānukūlā balagṛdhrā śva sarvaśaḥ | arhayeyuryadā senāṃ tadā siddhiranuttamā ||
Bhīṣma berkata: “Apabila pada saat bala tentera berangkat ke medan perang muncul tanda-tanda bertuah—seperti angin lembut bertiup dari belakang barisan, pelangi terbit di hadapan, bayang-bayang awan datang berulang-ulang namun sinar matahari tetap memancar, dan makhluk seperti serigala hutan, burung hering, serta gagak datang dari arah yang menguntungkan—maka bala tentera itu patut dianggap diberkati dengan harapan kejayaan yang paling tinggi.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma explains that in statecraft and warfare, one traditionally assesses the likelihood of success through auspicious and inauspicious signs. Such omens are treated as indicators of morale, timing, and perceived divine favor, guiding prudent decision-making.
In Śānti Parva, Bhīṣma instructs Yudhiṣṭhira on rājanīti (royal policy) and practical conduct. Here he lists favorable battlefield-portents—wind direction, atmospheric signs, and the movement of certain animals—by which an army’s expedition is judged likely to succeed.