Shloka 236
Daiva–Puruṣakāra Discourse and the Elephant-Corps Engagement (भीमगजानीक-सम्भ्रान्ति)
शक्रदेवाय चिक्षेप सर्वशैक्यायसीं गदाम् | जिसके घोड़े मारे गये थे, उसी रथपर खड़े हुए महाबली भीमसेनने शक्रदेवको लक्ष्य करके सम्पूर्णतः लोहेके सारतत्त्वकी बनी हुई अपनी गदा चलायी
śakradevāya cikṣepa sarvaśaikyāyasīṃ gadām |
Sañjaya said: Bhīmasena, the mighty warrior, standing upon the same chariot whose horses had been slain, hurled his mace—made wholly of solid iron—aiming it at Śakradeva (Indra). Even amid loss and disorder, a kṣatriya pressed forward with unwavering resolve, directing his strength toward a formidable, divinely-styled foe.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the battlefield ethic of the Mahābhārata, steadfastness (dhairya) and kṣatriya-dharma are highlighted: even when one’s chariot is compromised and circumstances are adverse, a warrior is expected to maintain resolve and act decisively rather than collapse into despair.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīmasena, positioned on a chariot whose horses have been killed, targets Śakradeva and throws his heavy iron mace at him, intensifying the close-quarters violence of the encounter.