Shloka 48
धर्मराजपुरोगास्तु भीमसेनमुखा रथा: । न जहु: समरे शूरं शल्यमाहवशोभिनम्,तो भी धर्मराजको आगे रखकर भीमसेन आदि रथी संग्राममें शोभा पानेवाले शूरवीर शल्यको वहाँ छोड़कर पीछे न हटे
dharmarāja-purogās tu bhīmasena-mukhā rathāḥ | na jahuḥ samare śūraṃ śalyaṃ āhava-śobhinam ||
Sañjaya said: With Dharmarāja placed at their head, and with Bhīmasena foremost among them, the chariot-warriors did not abandon in the battle that heroic Śalya, who shone in the clash of arms. Even under the pressure of war, they did not turn back leaving him behind—steadfast in resolve and duty amid the turmoil of combat.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness in kṣatriya-dharma: under rightful leadership (Dharmarāja) and with courageous champions (Bhīma) at the fore, warriors should not abandon a formidable opponent out of fear or wavering resolve. It frames perseverance and disciplined courage as ethical qualities in the battlefield context.
Sañjaya reports that the Pāṇḍava chariot-warriors, led by Yudhiṣṭhira and with Bhīma prominent among them, continued to engage the heroic Śalya in battle. They did not withdraw or leave him behind; instead they held their ground against a warrior who was resplendent in combat.