Shloka 32
Adhyāya 111 (Book 6): Daśama-dina-saṃgrāma—Bhīṣma’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira and the Śikhaṇḍin-Led Advance
रथिनो5पातयद् राजन् रथेभ्य: पुरुषर्षभ:,राजन! पुरुषश्रेष्ठ भीष्मने कितने ही रथियोंको रथोंसे, घुड़सवारोंको घोड़ोंकी पीठोंसे, शत्रुओंपर विजय पानेवाले हाथीसवारोंको हाथियोंसे तथा सामने आये हुए पैदल सिपाहियोंको भी मार गिराया
sañjaya uvāca | rathino ’pātayad rājan rathebhyaḥ puruṣarṣabhaḥ |
Wika ni Sañjaya: O Hari, si Bhīṣma—ang bantog sa mga lalaki—ay nagpabagsak ng maraming mandirigmang karwahe mula sa kanilang mga karwahe. Sa iisang bugso ng labanan, inihagis niya ang mga kabalyero mula sa likod ng kabayo, ibinagsak ang mga sakay sa elepante—yaong tanyag sa pagdaig sa kaaway—mula sa kanilang mga elepante, at pinatumba maging ang mga kawal na naglalakad na humarap sa kanya.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the paradox of righteous warfare: a kṣatriya’s valor and duty can be displayed through decisive action, yet that same excellence produces immense suffering. It invites reflection on dharma in war—how duty, skill, and the moral weight of violence coexist.
Sañjaya reports to the king that a foremost warrior is overpowering the enemy: knocking chariot-fighters off their chariots, unseating cavalry, bringing down elephant-riders, and cutting down advancing infantry—depicting a sweeping, one-sided moment on the battlefield.