Shloka 26
भीमसेनस्य बहुमहारथसंयुगः
Bhīmasena’s Engagement with Multiple Mahārathas
युधिष्ठिरं द्वादशभिर्बाह्वोरुरसि चार्पयत् । उन्होंने भीमसेनको बारह, सात्यकिको नौ, नकुलको तीन और सहदेवको सात बाणोंसे घायल करके राजा युधिष्ठिरकी दोनों भुजाओं और छातीमें बारह बाण मारे,यतमानाश्ष ते वीरा द्रवमाणान् महारथान्
sañjaya uvāca | yudhiṣṭhiraṃ dvādaśabhir bāhv-orurasi cārpayat | yatamānāś ca te vīrā dravamāṇān mahārathān ||
Sañjaya said: He struck King Yudhiṣṭhira with twelve arrows, planting them in his arms and chest. Meanwhile, those valiant warriors, striving with all their might, pressed upon the great chariot-fighters as they were driven back—an image of relentless combat where resolve and duty are tested amid the chaos of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the harsh reality of kṣatriya-duty in war: steadfast effort (yatna) and courage are demanded even when the battlefield turns chaotic and warriors are driven back. It implicitly contrasts righteous resolve with panic and retreat.
Sañjaya reports a specific battlefield moment: Yudhiṣṭhira is pierced with twelve arrows in his arms and chest, while other heroes continue striving and press upon great chariot-fighters who are in flight or being forced to withdraw.