Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 25
Balarāma Slays Balvala and Visits Sacred Tīrthas; He Attempts to Stop Bhīma–Duryodhana
गदापाणी उभौ दृष्ट्वा संरब्धौ विजयैषिणौ । मण्डलानि विचित्राणि चरन्ताविदमब्रवीत् ॥ २५ ॥
gadā-pāṇī ubhau dṛṣṭvā saṁrabdhau vijayaiṣiṇau maṇḍalāni vicitrāṇi carantāv idam abravīt
Lord Balarāma found Duryodhana and Bhīma with clubs in their hands, each furiously striving for victory over the other as they circled about skillfully. The Lord addressed them as follows.
FAQs
This verse notes that the fighters circled in intricate “maṇḍalāni” (circular maneuvers), indicating skilled, traditional combat movements during Baladeva’s battle.
To highlight the intensity of the confrontation—both combatants were fully committed and emotionally charged—setting the stage for the decisive words and actions that follow in the narrative.
Even when situations become intense and competitive, a devotee should remember that outcomes ultimately rest with the Lord’s will and that dharma—not ego-driven victory—should be the guiding principle.