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
eṣa vīro maheṣvāsaḥ kṛtī ca nipuṇaś ca ha | citrayodhī ca śaktaś ca mato me rathapuṅgavaḥ ||
ଏହି ପୁରୁଷ ବୀର, ମହାଧନୁର୍ଧର—କୃତୀ ଓ ନିପୁଣ। ବିଚିତ୍ର ଯୁଦ୍ଧକୌଶଳରେ ଯୋଧା ଏବଂ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଶକ୍ତିଶାଳୀ; ମୋ ମତରେ ସେ ରଥୀମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଅଗ୍ରଗଣ୍ୟ।
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.