Shloka 8
अध्याय १६९ — भीष्मस्य पाण्डवसेनाप्रशंसा तथा शिखण्डिविषये नियमः
Bhīṣma’s Appraisal of Pāṇḍava Forces and His Constraint Regarding Śikhaṇḍin
अजेयौ समरे वृद्धौ विराटद्रुपदौ तथा । महारथौ महावीर्यों मतौ मे पुरुषर्षभी,वृद्ध राजा विराट और ट्रुपद भी युद्धमें अजेय हैं। इन दोनों महापराक्रमी नरश्रेष्ठ वीरोंको मैं महारथी मानता हूँ
ajeyau samare vṛddhau virāṭa-drupadau tathā | mahārathau mahāvīryau matau me puruṣarṣabhau ||
Wika ni Bhīṣma: “Sa digmaan, ang matatandang haring sina Virāṭa at Drupada ay hindi matatalo. Sa aking paghatol, ang dalawang lalaking iyon—mga bantayog na mandirigma, gaya ng toro sa hanay ng mga bayani, puspos ng dakilang tapang—ay dapat kilalaning mahāratha.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Martial excellence is not limited by age; seasoned elders can remain formidable. Bhīṣma’s statement also models responsible discernment—recognizing an opponent’s true strength is part of kṣatriya ethics and strategic dharma.
In the Udyoga Parva’s war-preparation context, Bhīṣma is evaluating notable allies of the Pāṇḍavas. He identifies the elder kings Virāṭa and Drupada as effectively unconquerable in battle and classifies them among the elite mahārathas.