Shloka 21
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
शिरांसि रथिनां भीष्म: पातयामास संयुगे । तालेभ्य: परिपक्वानि फलानि कुशलो नर:,भीष्म उस युद्धस्थलमें रथियोंके मस्तक काट-काटकर उसी प्रकार गिराने लगे, जैसे कोई कुशल मनुष्य ताड़के वृक्षोंसे पके हुए फलोंको गिरा रहा हो
sañjaya uvāca | śirāṃsi rathināṃ bhīṣmaḥ pātayāmāsa saṃyuge | tālebhyaḥ paripakvāni phalāni kuśalo naraḥ ||
Sañjaya thưa: Giữa chiến trận, Bhīṣma cứ chém rơi đầu các chiến xa, khiến chúng ngã xuống nhẹ như không—tựa người thạo nghề gõ cho trái chín rụng khỏi cây thốt nốt.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how extraordinary skill in warfare can make killing seem effortless, prompting reflection on the grave ethical burden of violence even when performed under the banner of kṣatriya-duty.
Sañjaya describes Bhīṣma’s devastating performance in battle: he strikes down the heads of chariot-fighters, compared to a skilled person knocking ripe palm fruits down from the trees.