Shloka 13
अत्रिणा त्वथ सामर्थ्य कृतमुत्तमतेजसा । द्विजेनाग्निद्धितीयेन जपता चर्मवाससा
atriṇā tv atha sāmarthyaṁ kṛtam uttama-tejasā | dvijena agni-dvitīyena japatā carma-vāsasā ||
Bhīṣma disse: “Considera o poder extraordinário aqui demonstrado pelo sábio Atri—radiante de suprema grandeza espiritual—por aquele duas-vezes-nascido que mantinha o fogo sagrado como companheiro constante, vivia em austera disciplina e recitava seus mantras vestido com pele de cervo. Contempla a grandeza de seu feito. Já descrevi longamente as obras desse eminente Atri. Por isso afirmo: o brāhmaṇa é o primeiro; dize-me, que kṣatriya é superior a Atri?”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma highlights that true superiority is grounded in tapas, ritual steadiness, and spiritual radiance (tejas). By pointing to Atri’s disciplined life—Agnihotra, japa, and ascetic simplicity—he argues that brahminical excellence is measured by inner power and dharmic practice rather than worldly force.
Bhīṣma is citing the example of the sage Atri’s remarkable accomplishment and asking his listener to recognize Atri’s greatness. He uses this as a rhetorical challenge: if one seeks a kṣatriya greater than Atri, who would it be—implying that Atri’s spiritual achievements surpass typical martial standards of greatness.