Shloka 56
Adhyāya 65: Dawn Assembly, Makara–Śyena Vyūhas, and Commander Engagements
गजानां रुधिरक्लिन्नां गदां बिभ्रद् वृकोदर: । घोर: प्रतिभयश्वासीत् पिनाकीव पिनाकधृक्,हाथियोंके खूनसे भीगी हुई गदा धारण किये भीमसेन पिनाकधारी भगवान् रुद्रके समान घोर एवं भयंकर दिखायी देते थे
gajānāṁ rudhiraklinnāṁ gadāṁ bibhrad vṛkodaraḥ | ghoraḥ pratibhayaśvāsīt pinākīv pinākadhṛk ||
Sañjaya said: Bearing a mace drenched in the blood of elephants, Vṛkodara (Bhīma) appeared dreadful and terrifying—like the wielder of the Pināka bow, Lord Rudra himself.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in a dharmic battle, a righteous warrior may still appear terrifying due to the unavoidable violence of war; ethical intent (dharma) does not erase the grim reality and responsibility of action.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīma, carrying a mace soaked in the blood of elephants, looked fearsome—likened to Rudra/Śiva holding the Pināka—emphasizing Bhīma’s overwhelming battlefield power.