Shloka 20
Gāndhārī’s Battlefield Survey: The Fallen and the Onset of Funeral Rites (शल्य-भगीरथ-भीष्म-द्रोणादि-दर्शनम्)
पालयान: पितु: शास्त्रमूर्ध्वरेता महायशा: । एष शान्तनव: शेते माधवाप्रतिमो युधि,माधव! पिताकी आज्ञाका पालन करते हुए महायशस्वी नैछ्लिक ब्रह्मचारी ये शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्म जिनकी युद्धमें कहीं तुलना नहीं है, यहाँ सो रहे हैं
pālayan pituḥ śāstram ūrdhvaretā mahāyaśāḥ | eṣa śāntanavaḥ śete mādhavāpratimo yudhi, mādhava ||
Vaiśampāyana disse: “Ó Mādhava! Cumprindo a ordem de seu pai, celibatário por toda a vida e de grande renome—este é Bhīṣma, filho de Śāntanu, sem igual na guerra—que agora jaz aqui.” A linha ressalta o peso ético da obediência filial e da autocontenção selada por voto, mesmo quando o guerreiro que as encarnou tombou no campo de batalha.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma expressed as steadfast fidelity to a father’s command and the power of lifelong self-restraint (brahmacarya). It suggests that moral greatness is measured not only by martial prowess but by unwavering commitment to vows and duty.
Vaiśaṃpāyana points out Bhīṣma—Śāntanu’s son—now lying fallen after the war. He recalls Bhīṣma’s defining traits: obedience to his father’s injunction and his famed celibate vow, while also noting his unmatched stature as a warrior.