Shloka 276
भीष्मभीमसमागमः — Bhīṣma–Bhīma Strategic Engagement and Counsel to the King
भीमसेनो रणे यान्तं हार्दिक्यं समवारयत् । समस्त नरेशोंने संग्रामभूमिमें अर्जुनके साथ युद्ध किया। भीमसेनने युद्धमें विचरते हुए कृतवर्माको आगे बढ़नेसे रोका
sañjaya uvāca | bhīmaseno raṇe yāntaṃ hārdikyaṃ samavārayat |
Sanjaya said: As Kṛtavarmā (Hārdikya) advanced across the battlefield, Bhīmasena confronted him and checked his forward movement. In the press of war—where kings were already locked in combat alongside Arjuna—Bhīma’s act marks the duty of a frontline protector: to intercept a dangerous opponent and prevent him from reaching his intended target.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a dharmic war setting, a warrior’s duty includes timely interception—restraining a threatening opponent to protect allies and maintain the battle’s order. Bhima’s restraint of Kṛtavarmā illustrates decisive action guided by responsibility rather than hesitation.
Kṛtavarmā (Hārdikya) is advancing in the battle, and Bhīma steps in to block and restrain him, preventing him from moving forward—while the wider conflict continues with kings fighting and Arjuna engaged in combat.