तस्य सञ्जनयन्हर्षं कुरुवृद्धः पितामहः |
सिंहनादं विनद्योच्चैः शङ्खं दध्मौ प्रतापवान् ||
Meaning
To cheer up Duryodhana, Bhishma, the glorious warrior and the grand old sire of Kuru dynasty blew his conch shell loudly roaring like a lion.
Word to Word Meaning
तस्य – their
सञ्जनयन्हर्षं – to cheer up
कुरुवृद्धः – the grand sire of Kauravs
पितामहः – father
सिंहनादं – roaring like a lion
विनद्योच्चैः – making a very loud sound
शङ्खं – conch shell
दध्मौ – played
प्रतापवान् – brave
Widely Accepted Interpretations
- Bhishma blowing the conch means that Duryodhan’s army is ready for battle and Bhishma has commenced the start of war by blowing the conch.
- The conch is also blown to instill fear in the hearts of enemy troops and to boost morale of his own troops.
- Lion’s roar which is mentioned symbolizes the courage and valor of Bhishma. He knows the consequences of war but still blows the conch because it was his duty to do so.
- This verse again clarifies the role of Bhishma in Kaurav’s army. He is leader, protector and also a grand sire to them.