Shloka 5
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
तत: शरसहस्राणि प्रमुड्चन् पाण्डवो युधि । भीष्म॑ं संछादयामास यथा मेघो दिवाकरम्
tataḥ śarasahasrāṇi pramuñcan pāṇḍavo yudhi | bhīṣmaṃ saṃchādayāmāsa yathā megho divākaram ||
சஞ்சயன் கூறினான்—பின்னர் போர்க்களத்தில் பாண்டவன் யுதிஷ்டிரன் ஆயிரமாயிரம் அம்புகளை விடுத்து, மேகம் சூரியனை மறைப்பதுபோல் பீஷ்மனை மூடினான்।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the intensity of dharma-driven combat: even revered figures like Bhīṣma can be overwhelmed in the press of battle when warriors act according to their kṣatriya duty. The simile of a cloud covering the sun conveys temporary concealment, not the loss of inherent greatness.
Sañjaya reports that a Pāṇḍava warrior (identified in the provided Gita Press gloss as Yudhiṣṭhira) showers Bhīṣma with thousands of arrows, so densely that Bhīṣma appears covered, like the sun hidden by clouds.