Shloka 3
साश्वसूतरथो भीमो द्रोणपुत्रास्त्रसंवृत: । अग्नावग्निरिव न्यस्तो ज्वालामाली सुदुर्दश:,घोड़े, सारथि और रथसहित भीमसेन द्रोणपुत्रके उस अस्त्रसे ठककर आगके भीतर रखी हुई आगके समान प्रतीत होते थे। वे ज्वालाओंसे इतने घिर गये थे कि उनकी ओर देखना कठिन हो रहा था
sāśvasūtaratho bhīmo droṇaputrāstrasaṁvṛtaḥ | agnāv agnir iva nyasto jvālāmālī sudurdaśaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Bhīma—together with his horses, charioteer, and chariot—was enveloped by the missile of Droṇa’s son. He looked like fire set within fire, wreathed in flames and so hard to behold.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how war’s momentum can intensify through the use of powerful astras, making even great heroes appear helpless. Ethically, it points to the peril of weapon-driven escalation: when combat becomes dominated by extraordinary missiles, the boundary between valor and devastation thins, and endurance and restraint become as significant as strength.
Sañjaya describes Bhīma on his chariot—along with horses and charioteer—being completely enveloped by the weapon released by Droṇa’s son, Aśvatthāmā. Bhīma appears like fire within fire, surrounded by flames, so terrifying that looking at him becomes difficult.