Shloka 17
भीष्म–दुर्योधनसंवादः — शिखण्डिनं न हन्तुं कारणकथनम्
Amba-ākhyāna prologue
वार्थक्षेमिर्महाराज मतो मम महारथ: । चित्रायुधश्न नृपतिर्मतो मे रथसत्तम:,महाराज! वार्धक्षेमिको मैं महारथी मानता हूँ तथा राजा चित्रायुध मेरे विचारसे श्रेष्ठ रथी हैं
Vārthakṣemir mahārāja mato mama mahārathaḥ | Citrāyudhaś ca nṛpatir mato me rathasattamaḥ ||
Bhīṣma disse: “Ó grande rei, a meu ver Vārthakṣemi é um mahāratha (um guerreiro supremo no combate de carros). E o rei Citrāyudha, em minha opinião, é o melhor entre os guerreiros de carro.” Neste conselho, Bhīṣma classifica cuidadosamente os combatentes por mérito e capacidade, guiando o rei a decisões prudentes e alinhadas ao dharma diante do conflito que se aproxima.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Competent leadership requires clear-eyed evaluation of strength and merit. Bhīṣma’s ranking underscores responsible counsel: decisions in war should be guided by accurate assessment rather than impulse, pride, or favoritism—an ethical duty (dharma) of both adviser and king.
In the Udyoga Parva’s preparations for war, Bhīṣma is describing and classifying notable warriors. Here he identifies Vārthakṣemi as a mahāratha and praises King Citrāyudha as an exceptional chariot-fighter, contributing to an overall appraisal of forces and allies.