Shloka 16
उक्तवांश्वापि यत् पार्थे भीष्म प्रति नरर्षभम्
uktavānśvāpi yat pārthe bhīṣma prati nararṣabham
सञ्जय उवाच—उक्तवांश्चापि यत् पार्थे भीष्मं प्रति नरर्षभम्। युद्धमध्ये हि वाक्यानि न केवलं श्रोतृमात्रं प्रति, किन्तु ज्येष्ठानां नायकानां धर्मभारवह्नीनां धैर्यनिश्चयं च बोधयितुं प्रवर्तन्ते॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that speech in a dharmic crisis is strategic and ethically charged: words addressed to one hero (Arjuna) can simultaneously be meant to influence an elder authority (Bhīṣma), reminding leaders that their moral posture shapes the course of war.
Sañjaya reports that statements made in relation to Pārtha (Arjuna), praising him as the foremost of men, were also aimed toward Bhīṣma—indicating a layered address where the message is intended for multiple key figures on the battlefield.