Shloka 21
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
शिरांसि रथिनां भीष्म: पातयामास संयुगे । तालेभ्य: परिपक्वानि फलानि कुशलो नर:
sañjaya uvāca | śirāṃsi rathināṃ bhīṣmaḥ pātayāmāsa saṃyuge | tālebhyaḥ paripakvāni phalāni kuśalo naraḥ ||
Disse Sañjaya: No auge da batalha, Bhīṣma continuava a derrubar as cabeças dos guerreiros em carros, fazendo-as cair com facilidade—como um homem hábil faz cair frutos maduros das palmeiras.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how extraordinary skill in warfare can make killing seem effortless, prompting reflection on the grave ethical burden of violence even when performed under the banner of kṣatriya-duty.
Sañjaya describes Bhīṣma’s devastating performance in battle: he strikes down the heads of chariot-fighters, compared to a skilled person knocking ripe palm fruits down from the trees.