Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 41
Śalya–Bhīma Gadā-saṃnipāta and Śalya’s Bāṇa-jāla against Yudhiṣṭhira
Book 9, Chapter 11
ऋक्षवर्णाञ्जघानाश्वान् भोजो भीमस्य संयुगे । सो<वतीर्य रथोपस्थाद्धताश्वात् पाण्डुनन्दन:
ṛkṣavarṇāñ jaghānāśvān bhojo bhīmasya saṁyuge | so ’vatīrya rathopasthād dhatāśvāt pāṇḍunandanaḥ ||
সঞ্জয় বললেন—যুদ্ধের মধ্যে ভোজ বীর ভীমের ভালুক-রঙা ঘোড়াগুলিকে হত্যা করল। অশ্বহীন হয়ে পাণ্ডুনন্দন ভীম রথমঞ্চ থেকে নেমে পদাতিক হয়ে যুদ্ধ চালিয়ে গেল।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a wartime ethical tension: victory often turns on disabling an opponent’s means (here, the horses), yet the warrior’s dharma is shown in steadfastness—Bhīma does not retreat but adapts immediately, meeting adversity with courage and continued engagement.
During the battle, a Bhoja fighter kills Bhīma’s horses. With his chariot immobilized, Bhīma (the son of Pāṇḍu) jumps down from the chariot-platform and continues the fight on foot.
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