Shloka 5
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
तत: शरसहस्राणि प्रमुड्चन् पाण्डवो युधि । भीष्म॑ं संछादयामास यथा मेघो दिवाकरम्,जैसे मेघ सूर्यको ढक लेता है, उसी प्रकार युद्धस्थलमें हजारों बाणोंकी वर्षा करते हुए पाण्डुपुत्र युधिष्ठिरने भीष्मको आच्छादित कर दिया
tataḥ śarasahasrāṇi pramuñcan pāṇḍavo yudhi | bhīṣmaṃ saṃchādayāmāsa yathā megho divākaram ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Pagkaraan, sa gitna ng labanan, ang Pāṇḍava—na nagpakawala ng libu-libong palaso—ay tinakpan si Bhīṣma, gaya ng ulap na bumabalot sa araw. Ipinahihiwatig ng larawang ito ang mabangis na bugso ng digmaang itinuturing na matuwid: kahit ang pinakakagalang-galang na matandang mandirigma ay maaaring matabingan sandali kapag ang tungkulin at sagupaan ay humahagibis nang walang pag-aatubili.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the intensity of dharma-driven combat: even revered figures like Bhīṣma can be overwhelmed in the press of battle when warriors act according to their kṣatriya duty. The simile of a cloud covering the sun conveys temporary concealment, not the loss of inherent greatness.
Sañjaya reports that a Pāṇḍava warrior (identified in the provided Gita Press gloss as Yudhiṣṭhira) showers Bhīṣma with thousands of arrows, so densely that Bhīṣma appears covered, like the sun hidden by clouds.