Shloka 26
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
अनादृत्य ततो भीष्मस्तं शिखण्डिनमाहवे । प्रययौ सूंजयान क्रुद्धः स्त्रीत्वं चिन्त्य शिखण्डिन:
anādṛtya tato bhīṣmas taṃ śikhaṇḍinam āhave | prayayau sūñjayān kruddhaḥ strītvaṃ cintya śikhaṇḍinaḥ ||
三阇耶说道：然而毗湿摩在战场上不以尸佉ṇḍī为意——念及其女身——便怒而前进，转而攻击斯林阇耶诸军。
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.