Shloka 16
भीष्मकृतः पाण्डवपक्ष-महारथ-प्रशंसा
Bhishma’s appraisal of Pandava-aligned chariot-warriors
न हायनैर्न पलितैर्न वित्तैर्न च बन्धुभि: । महारथत्वं संख्यातुं शक्यं क्षत्रस्य कौरव,“कौरव! केवल बड़ी अवस्था हो जाने, बाल पक जाने, अधिक धनका संग्रह कर लेने तथा बहुसंख्यक भाई-बन्धुओंके होनेसे ही किसी क्षत्रियको महारथी नहीं गिना जा सकता
na hāyanair na palitair vittair na ca bandhubhiḥ | mahārathatvaṃ saṅkhyātuṃ śakyaṃ kṣatrasya kaurava ||
Bhīṣma berkata: “Wahai Kaurava, seorang kṣatriya tidak dapat dihitung sebagai ‘mahāratha’ semata-mata kerana usianya lanjut, rambutnya memutih, hartanya melimpah, atau kerana disokong oleh ramai kaum kerabat.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma teaches that true greatness in a warrior (mahāratha status) is not determined by external markers—age, grey hair, wealth, or numerous relatives—but by genuine capability and proven excellence; ethical judgment should prioritize merit over appearance and social advantage.
In the Udyoga Parva’s pre-war counsel, Bhishma addresses a Kaurava and cautions against overestimating a kshatriya’s rank based on seniority, riches, or family backing, urging a more truthful assessment of martial strength and worth as tensions move toward war.