Shloka 24
अध्याय ५५ — भीष्मस्य प्रचण्डविक्रमः, अर्जुनप्रत्युत्तरं, कृष्णस्य चक्रोद्यतिः
Chapter 55: Bhīṣma’s onslaught, Arjuna’s counter, and Kṛṣṇa’s raised discus
ततः श्वेतैर्हयैर्युक्ते महति स्यन्दने स्थितौ । प्रदध्मतु: शड्खवरौ हेमरत्नपरिष्कृती
tataḥ śvetair hayair yukte mahati syandane sthitau | pradadhmatuḥ śaṅkhavarau hemaratnapariṣkṛtī ||
Pagkatapos, nakaupo sa malaking karwaheng pandigma na hinihila ng mga puting kabayo, hinipan nina Kṛṣṇa at Arjuna ang kanilang mahuhusay na kabibe na pinalamutian ng ginto at mga hiyas—isang pahayag na mapalad ngunit marangal na panawagan sa digmaan.
(संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores decisive commitment to one’s rightful duty (dharma) in a grave moral crisis: the sounding of conches symbolizes readiness, clarity of purpose, and leadership grounded in righteous resolve rather than hesitation.
Sañjaya describes Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna seated on a great chariot drawn by white horses; they blow their splendid, gold-and-gem-adorned conches, signaling the commencement of battle and rallying their side.