Shloka 5
जनकस्य युद्धोपदेशः — Janaka’s Instruction on Steadfast Battle-Conduct
इमे पलायमानानां नरकाः: प्रत्युपस्थिता: । अकीर्ति: शाश्व॒ती चैव यतितव्यमनन्तरम्
ime palāyamānānāṁ narakāḥ pratyupasthitāḥ | akīrtiḥ śāśvatī caiva yatitavyam anantaram ||
毗湿摩说道：“再看——这些地狱已在你们面前等候，专为临阵背逃者而设。并且在此世间，他们的恶名将长久流传。因此，你们当即刻奋发，以坚决之力求取胜利。”
भीष्म उवाच
Educational Q&A
Bhishma frames desertion as a serious breach of kshatriya-duty: fleeing invites both otherworldly suffering (naraka) and lasting worldly dishonor (akīrti). The ethical thrust is that one should meet one’s rightful obligation with courage and immediate effort rather than escape out of fear.
Bhishma addresses warriors in a counsel-like tone, warning them that turning their backs in battle leads to dire consequences. He urges prompt exertion—‘without delay’—to stand firm and strive for victory, emphasizing the social and moral weight of reputation and duty.