भीष्मेण तु रणे पार्था: पालिता बाहुशालिना
bhīṣmeṇa tu raṇe pārthāḥ pālitā bāhuśālinā
सञ्जय उवाच—भीष्मेण तु रणे पार्थाः पालिता बाहुशालिना; एकस्य महावीरस्य रक्षणेनैव युद्धगतिर्नियतिमिव प्राप्नोत्।
संजय उवाच
Even amid violent conflict, the presence of a powerful protector can limit harm and shape outcomes; the verse highlights the dharmic tension between martial loyalty and the responsibility to safeguard life where possible.
Sañjaya reports that during the fighting, Bhīṣma—renowned for strength and battlefield mastery—served as a protective force for the Pāṇḍavas, implying that his conduct and positioning in the battle affected their safety.