Shloka 8
Bhīmasena’s Digvijaya and Tribute Return (भीमस्य दिग्विजयः धननिवेदनं च)
सुमहान् संनिपातो5भूद् धनंजयबृहन्तयो: । न शशाक बृहन्तस्तु सोढुं पाण्डवविक्रमम्,उस समय अर्जुन और बृहन्तमें बड़े जोरकी मार-काट शुरू हुई, परंतु बृहन्त पाण्डुपुत्र अर्जुनके पराक्रमको न सह सके
sumaḥān sannipāto 'bhūd dhanañjaya-bṛhantayoḥ | na śaśāka bṛhantas tu soḍhuṃ pāṇḍava-vikramam ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: A very great clash arose between Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) and Bṛhanta. But Bṛhanta could not endure the might and valor of the Pāṇḍava, Arjuna—showing how true prowess, grounded in disciplined skill and righteous purpose, overwhelms mere opposition.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the principle that genuine, disciplined prowess (vikrama) prevails; it also reflects the epic’s emphasis on Kṣatriya duty where strength and skill, when aligned with rightful purpose, become decisive in conflict.
A fierce combat breaks out between Arjuna (Dhanañjaya) and Bṛhanta. The encounter becomes intense, but Bṛhanta proves unable to withstand Arjuna’s superior valor.