Shloka 23
Bhīṣma-parva Adhyāya 16 — Saṃjaya’s Boon, Bhīṣma’s Protection, and the Dawn Arraying of Armies
हेमतालध्वजं भीष्म॑ राजते स्यन्दने स्थितम् | श्वेताभ्र इव तीक्ष्णांशुं ददृशु: कुरुपाण्डवा:
hemataladhvajaṃ bhīṣmaṃ rājate syandane sthitam | śvetābhra iva tīkṣṇāṃśuṃ dadṛśuḥ kuru-pāṇḍavāḥ ||
三阇耶说道：毗湿摩立于战车之上，金辉般闪耀的旗帜高扬，使他光芒四射。俱卢与般度诸军望见他，恰如见白云间露出的锐芒太阳——令人震慑的景象，昭示这位长者踏入前阵时所携带的法义之重与武威之盛。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how moral stature and martial responsibility can make a leader’s presence overwhelming to all sides. Bhīṣma’s radiance symbolizes authority earned through vows and duty, reminding readers that in dharmic conflict, personal greatness can inspire awe even amid tragic necessity.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīṣma stands on his chariot with a brilliant banner, and both armies—Kuru and Pāṇḍava—watch him. The simile of the sun amid white clouds emphasizes Bhīṣma’s striking visibility and the moment’s heightened tension as battle leadership becomes manifest.