Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 4
Gadā-yuddhe Bhīma–Duryodhanayoḥ Tumulaḥ Saṃprahāraḥ
Mace-duel’s intense exchange
भूत्वा हि जगतो नाथो हानाथ इव मे सुतः । गदामुद्यम्य यो याति किमन्यद् भागधेयत:
bhūtvā hi jagato nātho hānātha iva me sutaḥ | gadām udyamya yo yāti kim anyad bhāgadhayataḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: „Mein Sohn, der einst Herr und Schützer der ganzen Welt war, geht nun zu Fuß wie ein Schutzloser zum Schlachtfeld, die Keule erhoben in der Hand. Wie sollte man das anders nennen als den Spruch des Schicksals?“
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the fragility of worldly power: even one who was regarded as a ‘protector of the world’ can be reduced to apparent helplessness in war. It frames this reversal as bhāgadhaya—destiny—inviting reflection on impermanence and the limits of human control amid dharma and conflict.
The speaker laments a dramatic reversal: his son, formerly a great lord, is now seen going on foot into battle, mace raised, like someone without support. The scene emphasizes the tragic turn of events in the war and attributes it to fate.