Shloka 17
भीष्म–दुर्योधनसंवादः — शिखण्डिनं न हन्तुं कारणकथनम्
Amba-ākhyāna prologue
वार्थक्षेमिर्महाराज मतो मम महारथ: । चित्रायुधश्न नृपतिर्मतो मे रथसत्तम:,महाराज! वार्धक्षेमिको मैं महारथी मानता हूँ तथा राजा चित्रायुध मेरे विचारसे श्रेष्ठ रथी हैं
Vārthakṣemir mahārāja mato mama mahārathaḥ | Citrāyudhaś ca nṛpatir mato me rathasattamaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Bhīṣma: “O dakilang hari, sa aking paghatol si Vārthakṣemi ay isang mahāratha (pinakamataas na uri ng mandirigmang-karwahe). At si Haring Citrāyudha, sa aking pananaw, ang pinakamainam sa mga mandirigmang-karwahe.” Sa payong ito, maingat na inihahanay ni Bhīṣma ang mga mandirigma ayon sa galing at kakayahan, upang akayin ang hari sa mga pasyang maingat at nakaayon sa dharma sa nalalapit na tunggalian.
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Competent leadership requires clear-eyed evaluation of strength and merit. Bhīṣma’s ranking underscores responsible counsel: decisions in war should be guided by accurate assessment rather than impulse, pride, or favoritism—an ethical duty (dharma) of both adviser and king.
In the Udyoga Parva’s preparations for war, Bhīṣma is describing and classifying notable warriors. Here he identifies Vārthakṣemi as a mahāratha and praises King Citrāyudha as an exceptional chariot-fighter, contributing to an overall appraisal of forces and allies.