Shloka 61
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
तथा भीष्मस्तु सुदृढ वासुदेवधनंजयौ । विव्याध निशितैर्बाणै: सर्वगात्रेषु भारत,भारत! तथापि भीष्मने श्रीकृष्ण और अर्जुनके सम्पूर्ण अंगोंमें अपने पैने बाणोंसे गहरे आघात किये
tathā bhīṣmas tu sudṛḍha vāsudeva-dhanañjayau | vivyādha niśitair bāṇaiḥ sarva-gātreṣu bhārata bhārata ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Gayunman, si Bhīṣma—matatag at di matinag—ay tinuhog si Vāsudeva (Kṛṣṇa) at si Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) ng matutulis na palaso, tinamaan ang lahat ng kanilang mga bahagi ng katawan, O Bhārata. Ipinakikita nito ang mabagsik at walang kinikilingang mukha ng digmaan: ang giting at tungkulin ang nagtutulak sa mandirigma pasulong, kahit laban sa mga iginagalang na katauhan, habang tumitindi ang tensiyong moral sa pagitan ng debosyon, ugnayang-dugo, at kṣatriya-dharma.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the stern demands of kṣatriya-dharma in war: a warrior like Bhīṣma remains resolute in his pledged duty, even when facing revered and beloved figures. It points to the Mahābhārata’s recurring ethical strain—how obligation and vows can compel harsh action amid personal reverence and devotion.
Sañjaya reports to the blind king that Bhīṣma, steadfast in battle, shoots sharp arrows that strike Kṛṣṇa (as Arjuna’s charioteer) and Arjuna across their bodies. It is a moment emphasizing Bhīṣma’s formidable martial power and the escalating intensity of the Kurukṣetra combat.