Shloka 13
Amba’s Disclosure of Prior Choice (Śālva) and Appeal to Bhīṣma — Chapter 171
ये चैव ते रथोदारा: पाणए्डुपुत्रस्य सैनिका: । सहसैन्यानहं तांश्व प्रतीयां रणमूर्थनि,पाण्डुपुत्र युधिष्ठिके और भी जो-जो श्रेष्ठ रथी सैनिक हैं, उनका और उनकी सेनाओंका मैं युद्धके मुहानेपर सामना करूँगा
ye caiva te rathodārāḥ pāṇḍuputrasya sainikāḥ | sahasainyān ahaṃ tāṃś ca pratīyāṃ raṇamūrdhani ||
Bhīṣma nói: “Và cả những chiến xa dũng tướng kiệt xuất trong quân của con trai Pāṇḍu—cùng với các đạo quân hộ tống của họ—ta sẽ đón đánh trực diện ngay nơi tuyến đầu của chiến địa.”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhīṣma emphasizes steadfastness in one’s appointed duty: even when facing worthy opponents, a kṣatriya leader must stand at the battle’s forefront and meet them directly, acting from obligation rather than personal animosity.
In the Udyoga Parva’s war-preparation context, Bhīṣma declares his readiness to confront the Pāṇḍavas’ foremost chariot-warriors and their supporting forces at the very front line, signaling resolve and command responsibility.