Shloka 44
Adhyāya 111 (Book 6): Daśama-dina-saṃgrāma—Bhīṣma’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira and the Śikhaṇḍin-Led Advance
तस्य तद् वचन श्रुत्वा शिखण्डी क्रो धमूर्च्छित: । उवाचैनं तथा भीष्मं सृक्किणी परिसंलिहन्,उनकी यह बात सुनकर शिखण्डी क्रोधसे मूर्च्छित-सा हो गया और अपने मुँहके कोनोंको चाटता हुआ भीष्मसे इस प्रकार बोला--
tasya tad vacanaṁ śrutvā śikhaṇḍī krodhamūrcchitaḥ | uvācainaṁ tathā bhīṣmaṁ sṛkkiṇī parisaṁlihan ||
ครั้นได้ฟังถ้อยคำนั้น ศิขัณฑีก็ราวกับสลบด้วยโทสะ แลบลิ้นเลียมุมปากแล้วกล่าวกับภีษมะดังนี้
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how anger can seize a warrior’s mind and speech, intensifying conflict. In the Mahābhārata’s ethical frame, such wrath tests dharma: even in war, one’s inner discipline and adherence to honorable conduct are continually challenged.
Sañjaya reports that after hearing Bhīṣma’s words, Śikhaṇḍī becomes overwhelmed with rage and then speaks back to Bhīṣma. The physical detail—licking the corners of the mouth—marks a fierce, confrontational readiness as the dialogue escalates on the battlefield.