Shloka 31
Adhyāya 78 — Bhīṣma’s Advance, Duryodhana’s Rally, and Concurrent Duels (भीष्मस्याभ्युद्यमः, दुर्योधनस्योत्साहवचनम्, विविधयुद्धवर्णनम्)
दृढाहतस्ततो भीमो भारद्वाजस्य संयुगे । सारथिं प्रेषयामास यमस्य सदन प्रति,तब युद्धमें द्रोणाचार्यके द्वारा अत्यन्त आहत होकर भीमसेनने उनके सारथिको यमलोक भेज दिया
dṛḍhāhatas tato bhīmo bhāradvājasya saṃyuge | sārathiṃ preṣayāmāsa yamasya sadanaṃ prati ||
Sañjaya said: Though grievously struck in the battle by Bhāradvāja’s son (Droṇācārya), Bhīma, unshaken, sent Droṇa’s charioteer to the abode of Yama—signaling the fierce, uncompromising momentum of war where even severe injury does not halt a warrior’s resolve.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the harsh ethic of battlefield duty (kṣatriya-dharma): even when gravely wounded, a warrior may continue to act decisively. It also hints at the moral weight of war—actions swiftly lead to death and judgment (symbolized by Yama’s abode).
During the Kurukṣetra battle, Droṇācārya strikes Bhīma severely. Despite this, Bhīma retaliates with force and kills (or causes the death of) Droṇa’s charioteer, poetically described as sending him to Yama’s dwelling.