Duryodhana’s conversation with Droṇācārya is now over. From this shloka, Sanjaya continues the narration to Dhṛtarāṣṭra.

Bhīṣma has heard Duryodhana’s words. He understands Duryodhana’s inner condition. Duryodhana has spoken about the Pāṇḍava strength, the Kaurava strength, the insufficiency of his own army, and the need to protect Bhīṣma. His words have revealed diffidence and fear.

Bhīṣma recognizes that Duryodhana must be encouraged. If the leader remains anxious just before battle, that anxiety can spread through the army. Bhīṣma is not only an elder; he is also the commander of the Kaurava army. Therefore, as a leader, he steps in at the right time.

The verse calls him kuruvṛddhaḥ, the eldest among the Kurus, and pitāmahaḥ, the grandsire. These two words refer to Bhīṣma. He is not merely another warrior. He is the senior-most elder, respected by both sides, and his action carries great weight.

The word pratāpavān means powerful, majestic, or mighty. Bhīṣma has the authority and power to create confidence by his very presence.

He first makes a loud siṁhanāda, a lion-roar. A lion’s roar creates courage in its own side and fear in the opposite side. Bhīṣma’s roar is not random noise. It is a deliberate act to generate harṣa, enthusiasm and confidence, in Duryodhana.

Then Bhīṣma blows his conch. This has a practical battlefield meaning. The war has to begin, and delay can increase fear. When action is delayed after everything is ready, the mind becomes more restless. Therefore Bhīṣma does not allow Duryodhana’s anxiety to keep growing. As commander, he takes charge and gives the signal of readiness.

Thus this shloka shows Bhīṣma’s leadership response to Duryodhana’s weakness. Duryodhana’s fear had become visible; Bhīṣma, as the eldest, most respected warrior, and commander of the Kaurava army, encourages him through a lion-roar and conch-blast. The sound marks the transition from anxious talk to the formal beginning of war.