Shloka 40
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 25 — Bhīma’s Disruption of Elephant Formations and Bhagadatta’s Shock Advance
दुर्मुखस्तु महेष्वासो वीरं पुरुजितं बली । द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं वत्सदन्तैरवारयत्,महाधनुर्धर बलवान् दुर्मुखने द्रोणाचार्यके सामने जाते हुए वीर पुरुजित॒को वत्सदन्तोंके प्रहारद्वारा रोक दिया
durmukhastu maheṣvāso vīraṃ purujitaṃ balī | droṇāyābhimukhaṃ yāntaṃ vatsadantair avārayat |
Sañjaya said: The mighty archer Durmukha, a powerful warrior, checked the hero Purujit as he advanced straight toward Droṇa, stopping him with blows from his weapon called Vatsadanta. The scene underscores how, in the press of battle, loyalty to one’s commander and the duty to obstruct an onrushing foe become decisive acts—yet they also tighten the tragic web of violence that consumes valor on both sides.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-duty in wartime: protecting one’s commander and obstructing an enemy’s advance is treated as a necessary obligation. Ethically, it also reflects the Mahābhārata’s recurring tension—personal heroism and loyalty operate within a destructive cycle where even ‘right action’ in battle contributes to collective tragedy.
As Purujit moves directly toward Droṇa, Durmukha—renowned as a great archer—intercepts him and halts his advance by striking him with a weapon referred to as Vatsadanta.