Shloka 17
Bhīṣma’s Fall, the Arrow-bed (śara-talpa), and the Establishment of Guard
तं॑ चेह निकृतिप्रज्ञं पाउ्चाल्यं पापचेतसम् । पुरस्कृत्य रणे पार्थो भीष्मस्यायोधनं गत:
taṁ ceha nikṛtiprajñaṁ pāñcālyaṁ pāpacetasam | puraskṛtya raṇe pārtho bhīṣmasyāyodhanaṁ gataḥ ||
桑阇耶说道：“此处，帕尔塔（阿周那）将那位般遮罗王子——心机诡诈、意念不净的尸建陀因——置于前方，遂入阵与毗湿摩交战。”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension in warfare: even when fighting for a righteous cause, warriors may resort to morally questionable stratagems. It invites reflection on how dharma is tested under extreme necessity, and how intention, means, and consequences complicate moral judgment.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Arjuna advances to fight Bhīṣma while placing Śikhaṇḍin in front. Since Bhīṣma will not attack Śikhaṇḍin, this tactic enables Arjuna to confront and ultimately bring down Bhīṣma.