Shloka 57
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 22 — Draupadī’s Abduction Attempt and Bhīma’s Suppression of the Kīcakas
वेगेनाभिहतो भीम: कीचकेन बलीयसा । स्थिरप्रतिज्ञ: स रणे पदान्न चलित: पदम्,बलिष्ठ कीचकने बड़े वेगसे आघात किया, तो भी दृढ़प्रतिज्ञ भीम उस युद्धमें स्थिर रहे; एक पग भी पीछे नहीं हटे
vegenābhihato bhīmaḥ kīcakena balīyasā | sthirapratijñaḥ sa raṇe padān na calitaḥ padam ||
Von dem stärkeren Kīcaka mit großer Wucht getroffen, blieb Bhīma—fest in seinem Gelübde—in jenem Kampf unerschüttert und wich nicht um einen einzigen Schritt zurück.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Steadfastness (sthiratā) grounded in a firm vow: even when assaulted by a stronger opponent, one should not abandon resolve or be pushed off one’s chosen duty. The verse praises disciplined courage—holding one’s ground without panic or moral collapse.
In the Virāṭa court episode, Kīcaka attacks Bhīma with great force. Bhīma, though struck, remains immovable in the fight—he does not retreat even a step—signaling both his physical power and his controlled determination.