Shloka 26
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
अनादृत्य ततो भीष्मस्तं शिखण्डिनमाहवे । प्रययौ सूंजयान क्रुद्धः स्त्रीत्वं चिन्त्य शिखण्डिन:,किंतु भीष्मने शिखण्डीके स्त्रीत्वका चिन्तन करके युद्धमें उसकी अवहेलना कर दी और सूंजयवंशी क्षत्रियोंपर क्रोधपूर्वक आक्रमण किया
anādṛtya tato bhīṣmas taṃ śikhaṇḍinam āhave | prayayau sūñjayān kruddhaḥ strītvaṃ cintya śikhaṇḍinaḥ ||
Sañjaya nói: Nhưng Bhīṣma, trên chiến địa, đã coi thường Śikhaṇḍin—nghĩ đến thân phận nữ của người ấy—rồi nổi giận tiến lên tấn công các chiến binh Sṛñjaya.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a righteous war, personal vows and ethical boundaries shape conduct. Bhīṣma’s refusal to engage Śikhaṇḍin as a direct opponent—because he regards Śikhaṇḍin as essentially female—shows how dharma can function as restraint, not merely as permission to fight.
On the battlefield, Bhīṣma deliberately disregards Śikhaṇḍin and instead advances angrily to strike the Sūñjaya fighters. This sets up the larger strategy in which Śikhaṇḍin’s presence neutralizes Bhīṣma’s willingness to retaliate, contributing to Bhīṣma’s eventual downfall.