Shloka 17
तमायान्तमनादृत्य दृष्ट्वा ग्रस्तं घटोत्कचम् । अलायुधेन समरे सिंहेनेव गवां पतिम्,आते हुए कर्णकी उपेक्षा करके समरांगणमें सिंहके चंगुलमें फँसे हुए साँड़की भाँति घटोत्कचको अलायुधका ग्रास बनते देख योद्धाओंमें श्रेष्ठ भीमसेन सूर्यके समान तेजस्वी रथके द्वारा बाणसमूहोंकी वर्षा करते हुए अलायुधके रथकी ओर बड़े वेगसे बढ़े
tam āyāntam anādṛtya dṛṣṭvā grastaṃ ghaṭotkacam | alāyudhena samare siṃheneva gavāṃ patim ||
Sañjaya said: Disregarding Karṇa as he advanced, and seeing Ghaṭotkaca seized in battle by Alāyudha—like a bull caught in a lion’s jaws—Bhīmasena, foremost among warriors, rushed with great speed toward Alāyudha’s chariot, showering volleys of arrows from his sun-bright car.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the midst of war, immediate responsibility toward one’s endangered ally or kin can override other tactical aims; Bhīma’s response highlights steadfast loyalty and the kṣatriya impulse to protect the vulnerable on one’s side, even when a formidable opponent (Karṇa) is present.
Sañjaya describes Bhīma seeing his son Ghaṭotkaca caught by the rākṣasa Alāyudha. Ignoring the approaching Karṇa, Bhīma charges toward Alāyudha’s chariot and rains arrows, likening Ghaṭotkaca’s plight to a bull trapped in a lion’s grip.