Shloka 32
अध्याय ८० — मध्यंदिन-रणवृत्तान्तः
Yudhiṣṭhira–Śrutāyu encounter; Cekitāna–Gautama clash; Abhimanyu pressure; Arjuna’s redeployment
एवमुक्त्वा ततो वीरो ययौ मध्येन भारत । भीमसेनस्यथ मार्गेषु गदाप्रमथितैर्गजै:,भारत! ऐसा कहकर वीरवर धृष्टद्युम्न भीमसेनके बनाये हुए मार्गोंसे कौरव-सेनाके भीतर गये। उन मार्गोंपर गदाके मारे हुए हाथी पड़े थे
evam uktvā tato vīro yayau madhyena bhārata | bhīmasenasyātha mārgeṣu gadāpramathitair gajaiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Having spoken thus, the heroic Dhr̥ṣṭadyumna advanced straight through the midst of the Kaurava host, O Bhārata, along the paths that Bhīmasena had carved—strewn with elephants crushed down by his mace.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-duty in a righteous war: leaders must advance with resolve, yet the imagery of fallen elephants reminds the listener that victory is purchased through grave destruction, inviting reflection on the ethical cost of force even when duty compels action.
After speaking, Dhr̥ṣṭadyumna moves into the center of the Kaurava formation, using the openings created by Bhīma—routes marked by elephants that Bhīma has smashed with his mace—showing how Bhīma’s assault has physically cleared a passage for allied warriors.