Shloka 51
Rajo-dhūli-saṃmūḍha-saṅgrāmaḥ
The Dust-Obscured Battle and Mutual Charges
शरैरेकायनीकुर्वन् दिश: सर्वा यतव्रतः । जघान पाण्डवरथानादिश्यादिश्य भारत
śarair ekāyanīkurvan diśaḥ sarvā yatavrataḥ | jaghāna pāṇḍava-rathān ādiśyādiśya bhārata ||
وعدوں اور ضبطِ نفس میں ثابت قدم بھیشم نے تیروں کی بوچھاڑ سے گویا ہر سمت ایک ہی راہ بنا دی؛ اور اے بھارت، پاندوؤں کے رتھیوں کو نام لے لے کر چن چن کر گراتا چلا گیا۔
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the Mahabharata’s recurring tension between ethical restraint and violent duty: Bhishma is portrayed as 'yatavrata'—self-governed by vows—yet he applies that discipline to fulfill his battlefield obligation. It suggests that inner restraint (vrata) can coexist with harsh action when one is committed to a chosen dharma, even though the moral cost of war remains implicit.
Sanjaya describes Bhishma’s dominance in battle: his arrows are so forceful and continuous that they seem to open a clear corridor in every direction. He then targets the Pandava chariot-fighters selectively, calling them out by name as he strikes them down, emphasizing precision, command, and intimidation on the battlefield.