Mahabharata 1.103.45 — Adi Parva, Adhyaya 103, Shloka 45
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 103 — Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Gāndhārī Vivāha: Proposal, Consent, and the Vow
क्षत्रियाणां ततो वाच: ध्रुत्वा परपुरंजय: । क्रुद्ध: शान्तनवो भीष्मस्तिष्ठ तिछेत्यभाषत
kṣatriyāṇāṃ tato vācaḥ śrutvā parapuraṃjayaḥ | kruddhaḥ śāntanavo bhīṣmas tiṣṭha tiṣṭhety abhāṣata ||
क्षत्रियाणां ततो वाचः श्रुत्वा परपुरंजयः । क्रुद्धः शान्तनवो भीष्मस्तिष्ठ तिष्ठेत्यभाषत ॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma: a warrior must meet confrontation directly, uphold courage and accountability, and not evade a rightful challenge. Bhīṣma’s command functions as a moral demand for steadfastness in the face of conflict.
After hearing the kṣatriyas’ remarks, Bhīṣma becomes angry and calls out to Śālva, ordering him to stop and face him—an immediate battlefield challenge framed in the language of honor and resolve.
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