Adhyāya 8: Saṃprahāra-varṇana and Bhīma–Kṣemadhūrti Dvipa-Yuddha
Combat Description and Elephant Duel
योडजित: पार्थिवै: शूरै: समर्थवीर्यशालिभि:
yoḍajitaḥ pārthivaiḥ śūraiḥ samarthavīryaśālibhiḥ
Vaiśampāyana said: In battle he could not be conquered by heroic kings—warriors endowed with effective strength and proven valor.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights the ideal of martial excellence in kṣatriya-dharma: true heroism is measured by steadfast, effective valor that withstands even the combined challenge of many capable rulers.
Vaiśampāyana characterizes a central warrior as undefeated in combat, emphasizing that even brave kings endowed with strength could not overcome him—setting the tone for the intensity of the battle episode.