Shloka 28
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Kaurava Champions (भीष्मकृतः रथिनां गुणनिरूपणम्)
भीष्म-दुर्योधन-संवाद भूरिश्रवा: कृतास्त्रश्न तव चापि हित: सुहृत्,सोमदत्तके पुत्र महाधनुर्धर भूरिश्रवा भी अस्त्र-विद्याके पण्डित और तुम्हारे हितैषी सुहृद् हैं। ये रथियोंके यूथपतियोंके भी यूथपति हैं, अतः तुम्हारे शत्रुओंकी सेनाका महान् संहार करेंगे
bhīṣma uvāca | bhūriśravāḥ kṛtāstraś ca tava cāpi hitaḥ suhṛt | somadattasya putro mahādhanurdharo bhūriśravāḥ astravidyāyāṃ paṇḍitaḥ | sa rathiyūthapānāṃ yūthapatiḥ, tasmāt tava śatrusainyasyā mahān saṃhāraṃ kariṣyati |
Wika ni Bhīṣma: “Si Bhurishravas—anak ni Somadatta—ay mandirigmang ganap ang pagsasanay, isang makapangyarihang mamamana, at isa ring kaibigang may mabuting hangarin para sa iyo. Dalubhasa sa agham ng mga sandata, at pinuno maging sa hanay ng mga pinuno ng mga pangkat ng mandirigmang karwahe; kaya’t magdudulot siya ng malaking paglipol sa hukbo ng iyong mga kaaway.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma emphasizes the strategic and ethical importance of reliable allies: a well-wishing friend who is also highly competent in arms becomes a pillar of strength in crisis. The verse highlights leadership through capable commanders and the role of loyalty and expertise in determining outcomes in war.
In the Bhishma–Duryodhana conversation, Bhishma points to Bhurishravas as a key Kaurava supporter—trained in weapons, a powerful archer, and a commander among commanders—predicting that he will inflict heavy losses on the enemy forces in the impending battle.