Shloka 28
Śalya–Bhīma Gadāyuddham (मद्रराज-भीमसेन गदायुद्धम्)
विविंशतिस्तु सहसा व्यश्वकेतुशरासनम् । भीम॑ चक्रे महाराज ततः सैन्यान्यपूजयन्,महाराज! फिर विविंशतिने भी सहसा आक्रमण करके भीमसेनके घोड़े, ध्वज और धनुष काट डाले; यह देख सारी सेनाओंने उसकी भूरि-भूरि प्रशंसा की
viviṁśatis tu sahasā vyaśvaketuśarāsanam | bhīmaṁ cakre mahārāja tataḥ sainyāny apūjayan ||
Sañjaya said: O King, Viviṁśati suddenly struck down Bhīma’s horses and cut away his banner and his bow. Seeing this feat, the gathered armies praised him greatly.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in a warrior culture, swift and skillful action in battle earns public honor. It also implicitly shows the tension between immediate martial glory and the broader moral tragedy of a fratricidal war, where praise follows prowess even when the conflict itself is grievous.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Viviṁśati suddenly attacks Bhīma and cuts down Bhīma’s horses, his banner, and his bow. The surrounding troops, impressed by this display of skill and daring, applaud and praise Viviṁśati.