Shloka 75
आदि पर्व, अध्याय 67 — गान्धर्वविवाह-समयः
Duḥṣanta–Śakuntalā: Gandharva Marriage and Succession Condition
तेषामवरजो भीष्म: कुरूणामभयंकर: । मतिमान् वेदविद् वाग्मी शत्रुपक्षक्षयंकर:
teṣām avarajo bhīṣmaḥ kurūṇām abhayaṅkaraḥ | matimān vedavid vāgmī śatrupakṣakṣayaṅkaraḥ ||
毗湿摩婆耶那说道：在他们之中，最年少者是毗湿摩——使俱卢一族无所畏惧之人。他心智明断，通晓吠陀，辞令雄辩，且能以威势摧毁敌军阵列。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical model of power: true guardianship combines learning (Vedic knowledge), discernment, and eloquence with the capacity to protect one’s community. Strength is praised not as mere aggression but as disciplined force that secures fearlessness for one’s people while remaining grounded in wisdom.
Vaiśampāyana is describing Bhīṣma’s stature and qualities within the Kuru line—presenting him as the youngest among those being listed, yet exceptionally capable: a learned, articulate, and strategically powerful protector who can also devastate opposing forces in battle.