Shloka 32
भीमसेन-दुर्योधन-समागमः
Bhīmasena–Duryodhana Engagement at Sunset
ते वध्यमाना भीष्मेण पञज्चाला: सोमकै: सह
te vadhyamānā bhīṣmeṇa pañcālāḥ somakaiḥ saha
Sañjaya said: The Pañcālas, together with the Somakas, were being cut down by Bhīṣma—an image of war’s grim momentum, where even renowned allies are swept into suffering under the force of a mighty commander.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the harsh reality of dharma in war: once battle is joined, even celebrated clans and allies can be overwhelmed by superior force. It invites reflection on the ethical cost of conflict and the inevitability of suffering when violence becomes the chosen means.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīṣma is powerfully striking down the Pañcāla forces along with the Somakas, indicating the Kaurava commander’s dominance in that phase of the Kurukṣetra battle.