Shloka 18
Ādi Parva, Adhyāya 103 — Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Gāndhārī Vivāha: Proposal, Consent, and the Vow
स्थितो<हं पृथिवीपाला युद्धाय कृतनिश्चय: । एवमुक्त्वा महीपालान् काशिराजं च वीर्यवान्,'“राजाओ! मैं युद्धके लिये दृढ़ निश्चय करके यहाँ डटा हुआ हूँ।” परम पराक्रमी कुरुकुलश्रेष्ठ भीष्मजी उन महीपालों तथा काशिराजसे उपर्युक्त बातें कहकर उन समस्त कन्याओंको, जिन्हें वे उठाकर अपने रथपर बिठा चुके थे, साथ लेकर सबको ललकारते हुए वहाँसे शीघ्रतापूर्वक चल दिये
Vaiśampāyana uvāca: sthito 'haṃ pṛthivīpālā yuddhāya kṛtaniścayaḥ | evam uktvā mahīpālān kāśirājaṃ ca vīryavān ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: “O mga hari, narito ako, matatag ang pasiya na makipagdigma.” Pagkasabi nito sa mga nagkakatipong pinuno—lalo na sa hari ng Kāśī—si Bhīṣma, ang makapangyarihan at pangunahing mandirigma ng angkan ng Kuru, ay pinanatili sa kanyang karwahe ang mga dalagang kanyang dinakip at isinakay, hinamon ang sinumang hahadlang, at mabilis na umalis mula roon.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights unwavering resolve (niścaya) in the face of opposition, while also exposing the ethical tension in kṣatriya conduct: valor and duty are celebrated, yet the use of force against others’ claims and the taking of women as prizes raises questions about dharma, consent, and the limits of martial righteousness.
Bhīṣma addresses the gathered kings (including the king of Kāśī), declaring he is ready to fight. He has already placed the abducted maidens on his chariot, issues a challenge, and departs quickly—setting the stage for armed confrontation over the contested brides.