Shloka 68
Drupada’s Alarm and Inquiry Regarding Śikhaṇḍinī (द्रुपदस्य भय-विमर्शः)
एतत् तत्त्वमहं वेद जन्म तात शिखण्डिन: । ततो नैनं हनिष्यामि समरेष्वाततायिनम्
etat tattvam ahaṁ veda janma tāta śikhaṇḍinaḥ | tato nainaṁ haniṣyāmi samareṣv ātatāyinam ||
ଭୀଷ୍ମ କହିଲେ—ତାତ! ଶିଖଣ୍ଡୀଙ୍କ ଜନ୍ମର ସତ୍ୟ ତତ୍ତ୍ୱ ମୁଁ ଜାଣେ; ତେଣୁ ସେ ଯୁଦ୍ଧଭୂମିରେ ଆତତାୟୀ ହୋଇ ଆସିଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ମୁଁ ତାକୁ ବଧ କରିବି ନାହିଁ।
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in war, ethical restraint can override the impulse to kill: Bhishma grounds his decision in knowledge of Shikhandin’s true birth and identity, implying that dharma is not merely rule-following but conscientious discernment about whom it is right to strike.
In the Udyoga Parva’s war-preparations context, Bhishma explains to his interlocutor that he knows Shikhandin’s real origin and therefore will not kill him in battle, even if Shikhandin approaches as an ātatāyin (aggressor).