Shloka 52
अध्याय ६० — कर्णस्य पाञ्चाल-सोमक-निग्रहः
Karna’s Suppression of the Panchala–Somaka Forces
भीमसेनं तव सुतो वारयामास संयुगे | तं तु भीमो मुहूर्तेन व्यश्वसूतरथध्वजम्
sañjaya uvāca | bhīmasenaṃ tava suto vārayāmāsa saṃyuge | taṃ tu bhīmo muhūrtena vyaśvasūtarathadhvajam cakre | lokeśvaraṃ tatra tenātuṣyanta vai janāḥ |
Sañjaya said: In the thick of battle, your son sought to check Bhīmasena. But Bhīma, in a short while, stripped Duryodhana—lord of the people there—of his horses, charioteer, chariot, and banner. Seeing the proud king thus brought low, the onlookers were filled with satisfaction, for it signaled a momentary triumph of prowess over arrogance on the battlefield.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how battlefield success can swiftly overturn royal pride: even a powerful king can be reduced to vulnerability in moments. It also shows how public sentiment in war often follows visible signs of dominance—such as disabling an opponent’s chariot—rather than deeper ethical reflection.
Duryodhana confronts and attempts to stop Bhīma in combat. Bhīma quickly disables Duryodhana’s chariot setup—horses, charioteer, chariot, and banner—leaving him effectively chariotless. Observers rejoice at this reversal.