Shloka 42
Chapter 12: Arjuna’s suppression of the Saṃśaptakas and duel with Aśvatthāmā
Drauṇi
स पपात महानागो भीमसेनस्य भारत | पुरा नागस्य पतनादवप्लुत्य स्थितो महीम्,भारत! इससे भीमसेनका महान् गजराज पृथ्वीपर गिर पड़ा। उसके गिरनेसे पहले ही भीमसेन कूदकर भूमिपर खड़े हो गये
sa papāta mahānāgo bhīmasenasya bhārata | purā nāgasya patanād avaplutya sthito mahīm ||
Sañjaya said: O Bhārata, Bhīmasena’s mighty war-elephant collapsed to the ground. Yet before the great beast fell, Bhīma leapt clear and stood firm upon the earth.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in violent and unpredictable circumstances, steadiness and alert judgment are vital; Bhīma’s timely leap illustrates disciplined courage and practical wisdom rather than panic.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīma’s great elephant falls in battle, but Bhīma anticipates the collapse, jumps off beforehand, and lands safely on the ground, ready to continue fighting.