Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 37
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rājasūya Resolve and the Slaying of Jarāsandha
ते वै गदे भुजजवेन निपात्यमाने अन्योन्यतोंऽसकटिपादकरोरुजत्रुम् । चूर्णीबभूवतुरुपेत्य यथार्कशाखे संयुध्यतोर्द्विरदयोरिव दीप्तमन्व्यो: ॥ ३७ ॥
te vai gade bhuja-javena nipātyamāne anyonyato ’ṁsa-kaṭi-pāda-karoru-jatrum cūrṇī-babhūvatur upetya yathārka-śākhe saṁyudhyator dviradayor iva dīpta-manvyoḥ
They swung their clubs at each other with such speed and force that as the clubs struck their shoulders, hips, feet, hands, thighs and collarbones, the weapons were crushed and broken like branches of arka trees with which two enraged elephants furiously attack each other.
FAQs
This verse vividly portrays their close-range club fight—both warriors repeatedly striking each other’s limbs and vital joints with tremendous speed and force, like two furious elephants locked in combat.
Jarāsandha had oppressed the earth and imprisoned many kings; Kṛṣṇa arranged a lawful confrontation in which Bhīma would face Jarāsandha directly, leading toward the tyrant’s removal and the kings’ relief.
It highlights determination and focus in confronting formidable obstacles—while also reminding readers that in the Bhagavatam, true victory comes when strength is aligned with dharma and guided by divine wisdom.