Shloka 24
भीमसेन-द्रोण-संग्रामः
Bhīmasena and Droṇa: Containment, Advance, and Recognition
अस्त्रौघान्महतो मुक्तौ द्रोणहार्दिक्यरक्षितात् । रोचमानावदृश्येतामिन्द्राग्न्यो: सदृशौ रणे,द्रोणाचार्य और कृतवर्मद्वारा सुरक्षित महान् अस्त्रसमुदायसे छूटकर वे दोनों वीर समरांगणमें इन्द्र और अग्निके समान प्रकाशमान दिखायी देते थे
astraughān mahato muktau droṇahārdikyarakṣitāt | rocamānāv adṛśyetām indrāgnyoḥ sadṛśau raṇe ||
Sañjaya said: “Released from that vast barrage of weapons, and protected by Droṇa and Hārdikya (Kṛtavarman), the two warriors were seen on the battlefield shining brilliantly—like Indra and Agni themselves.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the power of protection and solidarity in crisis: even amid a devastating onslaught, disciplined support from strong allies enables warriors to recover and reassert their presence. Ethically, it reflects the Mahābhārata’s war setting where duty and loyalty operate within the harsh realities of combat.
A pair of warriors (referred to in the dual) emerge after escaping a massive shower of weapons. With Droṇa and Kṛtavarman guarding them, they appear radiant on the battlefield, compared to the gods Indra and Agni.