Shloka 17
भीमसेनस्य प्रतिघातः—भगदत्तगजप्रहारः—घटोत्कचमायायुद्धम्
Bhīma’s Counteroffensive, Bhagadatta’s Elephant Assault, and Ghaṭotkaca’s Māyā Engagement
भैमसेनिस्ततो राजन् केकयाश्न महारथा: । ततो<भूद् द्विपदां श्रेष्ठो वाम॑ पार्श्वमुपाश्रित:
bhaimasenis tato rājan kekayāś ca mahārathāḥ | tato 'bhūd dvipadāṃ śreṣṭho vāmaṃ pārśvam upāśritaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “Then, O King, Bhīmasena and the mighty chariot-warriors of the Kekayas took their positions. Thereupon the best among men moved to and occupied the left flank.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined coordination in war: capable leaders and allied forces take assigned positions, reflecting the kṣatriya ethic of order, responsibility, and strategic placement rather than impulsive combat.
Sañjaya reports troop deployment: Bhīma along with the Kekaya great chariot-warriors takes position, and a foremost hero is described as occupying the left flank as the battle array is being set.