Shloka 64
Chapter 51: Saṃdhyākāla-saṃhāra
Evening Withdrawal after Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
ततो भीष्म॑ पुरस्कृत्य तव पुत्रो महाबल: । वृतस्तु सर्वसैन्येन प्रायाच्छवेतरथं प्रति
tato bhīṣmaṁ puraskṛtya tava putro mahābalaḥ | vṛtastu sarvasainyena prāyācchvetarathaṁ prati ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Pagkaraan, ang makapangyarihang anak mo, na inilagay si Bhīṣma sa unahan, ay sumulong patungo sa karwahe ni Śveta, na napalilibutan at sinusuportahan ng buong hukbo.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a wartime ethic of command: power is exercised by placing an acknowledged elder and commander at the forefront and moving with collective support. It reflects how authority, hierarchy, and organized force shape decisions in battle, raising ethical questions about responsibility when action is taken under revered leadership.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that his powerful son (Duryodhana) advanced toward the warrior Śvetaratha, with Bhīṣma positioned in front as the leading figure, while the whole army surrounded and accompanied him.