Shloka 15
Chapter 51: Saṃdhyākāla-saṃhāra
Evening Withdrawal after Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
लब्धलक्षतया कार्ष्णे: सर्वे भीष्ममुखा रथा: । सत्त्ववन्तममन्यन्त साक्षादिव धनंजयम्
labdhalakṣatayā kārṣṇeḥ sarve bhīṣmamukhā rathāḥ | sattvavantam amanyanta sākṣād iva dhanañjayam |
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Nang makita ang tiyak na pagtama ni Kārṣṇi (Abhimanyu), ang lahat ng mandirigmang nasa karwahe na pinangungunahan ni Bhīṣma ay inakalang siya’y may pambihirang tapang—na para bang si Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) mismo ang kaharap nila. Ipinamalas ng tagumpay sa pagtudla ang disiplinadong husay at lakas-loob, at pinilit maging ang mga batikang mandirigma na kilalanin ang galing kahit sa gitna ng pagkapoot ng digmaan.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid hostility, true excellence compels recognition. The verse highlights kṣatriya values—discipline, courage, and skill—and shows that merit (sattva) can be acknowledged by elders and opponents alike, reinforcing an ethic of honoring prowess and character.
Sañjaya reports that Abhimanyu’s successful target-striking and swift prowess impress the battlefield’s senior chariot-warriors. Bhīṣma and the others, seeing his capability, regard him as virtually equal to Arjuna himself.