Shloka 40
रात्रौ युद्धप्रवृत्तिः — Night Battle Begins; Duryodhana’s Protective Orders for Droṇa
Droṇa-parva 139
हर्षेण महता युक्त: कृतसंज्ञो वृकोदरे । अभ्ययात् समरे द्रोणं सर्वशस्त्रभूृतां वर:
harṣeṇa mahatā yuktaḥ kṛtasaṃjño vṛkodare | abhyayāt samare droṇaṃ sarvaśastrabhṛtāṃ varaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Filled with great exhilaration and fully regaining his composure, Vṛkodara (Bhīma) advanced in the battle toward Droṇa, the foremost among all bearers of weapons.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical complexity of dharma in war: once clarity and resolve return, a warrior must act decisively in accordance with his role, even when the opponent is a revered elder and master of arms. It points to steadiness of mind (saṃjñā) as a prerequisite for responsible action.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīma, invigorated and fully composed again, advances on the battlefield toward Droṇa, described as the foremost among all armed warriors—signaling an imminent confrontation with a formidable commander.