Mahabharata — Bhishma Parva, Shloka 8
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
अथ शान्तनवो राजन्नभ्यधावद् धनंजयम् | प्रगृह्य॒ कार्मुकं घोरं कालदण्डोपमं रणे,राजन! तदनन्तर शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्म उस युद्धभूमिमें कालदण्डके समान भीषण धनुष लेकर अर्जुनकी ओर दौड़े
atha śāntanavo rājann abhyadhāvad dhanañjayam | pragṛhya kārmukaṃ ghoraṃ kāladaṇḍopamaṃ raṇe ||
Disse Sañjaya: Então, ó Rei, Bhīṣma, filho de Śāntanu, investiu contra Dhanañjaya (Arjuna). Empunhando o seu arco terrível—como a vara da própria Morte—ele avançou no meio da batalha.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of steadfastness in battle: even venerable elders like Bhīṣma, bound by duty and allegiance, act with full resolve. The ‘rod of Death’ simile underscores the grave moral weight and mortal stakes of war, where duty is pursued amid inevitable destruction.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīṣma, Śāntanu’s son, rushes directly at Arjuna. He grips his fearsome bow and advances aggressively, signaling an intense confrontation between two foremost warriors.