Shloka 54
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
रक्षां कृत्वा ततः शूरान्यस्य गुल्मान् यथाविधि । अपनीय च शल्यानि स्नात्वा च विविधैर्जलै:,तदनन्तर उभय पक्षके शूरवीरोंने सब ओर सैनिक गुल्मोंको- नियुक्त करके विधिपूर्वक अपने-अपने शिविरोंकी रक्षाकी व्यवस्था की। फिर अपने शरीरसे बाणोंको निकालकर भाँति-भाँतिके जलसे स्नान करके स्वस्तिवाचन करानेके अनन्तर बन्दीजनोंके मुखसे अपनी स्तुति सुनते हुए वे सभी यशस्वी वीर गीत और वाद्योंके शब्दोंसे क्रीड़ा-विनोद करने लगे
sañjaya uvāca | rakṣāṃ kṛtvā tataḥ śūrān yasya gulmān yathāvidhi | apanīya ca śalyāni snātvā ca vividhair jalaiḥ ||
Sanjaya said: Thereafter, having duly secured their respective camps by posting brave warriors in detachments on every side, they drew out the shafts lodged in their bodies and bathed with waters of many kinds. When auspicious rites and blessings for their welfare had been recited, those famed heroes—listening as bards sang their praises—passed the time in recreation amid songs and the sound of instruments.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that even in war, conduct is governed by order and prescribed norms: security is arranged systematically, wounds are treated, and auspicious rites reaffirm social and ethical frameworks of duty, honor, and self-control.
After the day’s fighting, the warriors post guards in detachments around the camps, remove embedded arrows, bathe, receive auspicious recitations for well-being, and then spend time hearing bards praise them while music and songs are performed.