Shloka 3
Amba’s Disclosure of Prior Choice (Śālva) and Appeal to Bhīṣma — Chapter 171
एष वीरो महेष्वास: कृती च निपुणश्च ह | चित्रयोधी च शक्तश्न मतो मे रथपुजड्गभवः,इनका धनुष महान् है। ये अस्त्रविद्याके विद्वान् और युद्धकुशल हैं। रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ वीर पुरुजित् विचित्र युद्ध करनेवाले और शक्तिशाली हैं
eṣa vīro maheṣvāsaḥ kṛtī ca nipuṇaś ca ha | citrayodhī ca śaktaś ca mato me rathapuṅgavaḥ ||
Bhīṣma berkata: “Orang ini seorang wira, pemanah agung—berjaya dan benar-benar mahir. Dia juga pejuang yang berhelah pelbagai dan cerdik, serta sangat kuat. Pada hematku, dia tergolong antara yang terunggul dalam kalangan pahlawan kereta perang.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic ideal in the warrior context: competence, discipline, and proven skill are to be recognized and spoken of truthfully. Bhīṣma’s praise models responsible leadership—evaluating strength and readiness without exaggeration, as such clarity guides ethical decision-making in war.
In Udyoga Parva, as preparations for the great war intensify, Bhīṣma is describing and assessing notable fighters. Here he points out a particular warrior as a foremost chariot-combatant—mighty with the bow, expert in weapons and tactics, and strong—thereby informing the strategic appraisal of forces.