Shloka 20
Jarāsandha–Bhīma Niyuddha-prastāvaḥ
Commencement of the Regulated Duel
इस प्रकार श्रीमह्याभारत सभापव॑के अन्तर्गत जरासंधवधपर्वमें कृष्ण, अर्जुन एवं भीमसेनकी मगधयात्राविषयक बीसवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ,स्थिरं सुविपुलं शृज़ं सुमहत् तत् पुरातनम् । अर्चितं गन्धमाल्यैश्न सततं सुप्रतिष्ठितम् उस चैत्यकका विशाल शिखर बहुत पुराना, किंतु सुदृढ़ था। मगधदेशमें उसकी बड़ी प्रतिष्ठा थी। गन्ध और पुष्पकी मालाओंसे उसकी सदा पूजा की जाती थी। श्रीकृष्ण आदि तीनों वीरोंने अपनी विशाल भुजाओंसे टक्कर मारकर उस चैत्यक पर्वतके शिखरको गिरा दिया। तदनन्तर वे अत्यन्त प्रसन्न होकर मगधकी राजधानी गिरिव्रजके भीतर घुसे
vaiśaṃpāyana uvāca | sthiraṃ suvipulaṃ śṛṅgaṃ sumahat tat purātanam | arcitaṃ gandhamālyaiś ca satataṃ supratiṣṭhitam |
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: The peak of that sacred shrine (caitya) was firm, very broad, exceedingly great, and ancient. It was continually honoured with perfumes and garlands, and it stood in high repute. Then Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna, and Bhīmasena—exultant in their strength—struck it with their mighty arms and brought down the summit; thereafter, delighted, they entered Girivraja, the capital of Magadha.
वैशग्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how social reverence and ritual honour (arcana with gandha and mālya) can coexist with decisive action driven by a larger dharmic-political aim. It invites reflection on the tension between preserving revered institutions and acting forcefully when a mission is judged necessary.
A renowned, ancient, and well-worshipped caitya-peak is described as stable and prestigious. Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna, and Bhīma then strike and topple its summit, and afterward enter Girivraja, the capital city of Magadha, as part of the Jarāsandha-related mission.