Shloka 25
Droṇavadha-saṃniveśaḥ — The Convergence Toward Droṇa’s Fall
Book 7, Chapter 164
ततस्तु सात्वतस्यार्थे भीमसेनो नवं दृढम् । मुमोच परिघं घोरं सोमदत्तस्य वक्षसि,तत्पश्चात् सात्यकिकी ओरसे भीमसेनने सोमदत्तकी छातीको लक्ष्य करके एक नूतन सुदृढ़ एवं भयंकर परिघ छोड़ा
tatastu sātvatasya arthe bhīmaseno navaṁ dṛḍham | mumoca parighaṁ ghoraṁ somadattasya vakṣasi ||
Sañjaya said: Then, for the sake of the Sātvata (Sātyaki), Bhīmasena hurled a new, firm, and dreadful iron club straight at Somadatta’s chest.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the warrior-ethic of standing up for an ally: Bhīma acts ‘for the sake of’ Sātyaki, showing loyalty and protective resolve. Ethically, it reflects the Mahābhārata’s recurring tension—dharma in war often appears as duty to one’s side and companions, even when expressed through harsh violence.
In the midst of battle, Bhīma intervenes on behalf of Sātyaki and hurls a fearsome iron club (parigha) at Somadatta, striking toward his chest.