Shloka 18
भीष्म–जामदग्न्यसंवादः (Amba-prasaṅga and Kurukṣetra Dvandva Declaration) / Bhishma–Jamadagnya Dialogue
ततो<हं तं नमस्कृत्य रथमारुहय सत्वर: । प्राध्मापयं रणे शड्खं पुनर्हेमपरिष्कृतम्,तब मैं उन्हें नमस्कार करके शीघ्र ही रथपर जा बैठा और उस युद्धभूमिमें मैंने पुनः अपने सुवर्णजटित शंखको बजाया
tato 'haṃ taṃ namaskṛtya ratham āruhya satvaraḥ | prādhmāpayaṃ raṇe śaṅkhaṃ punar hemapariṣkṛtam ||
Então, após inclinar-me diante dele com reverência, subi depressa ao carro. Ali, no campo de batalha, voltei a soar minha concha, recém-adornada de ouro — sinal de prontidão para o combate justo segundo o dharma e da firme decisão de agir depois de prestar o devido respeito.
राम उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined conduct before conflict: one first offers due respect (namaskāra) and then acts decisively. Ethical action in war is framed as proceeding with reverence and resolve rather than impulsive aggression.
The speaker (Rama) salutes a respected figure, quickly mounts his chariot, and blows a gold-adorned conch on the battlefield—an audible declaration of preparedness and the formal commencement of martial engagement.