Shloka 42
Śālva’s Elephant Assault and the Counterstroke (शाल्वस्य नागारूढाभ्यवहारः)
भीमसेनस्तदा राजन धृष्टद्युम्नश्न पार्षत: । बलेन चतुरज्गजेण नानादेश्यानवारयत्,राजन! उस समय भीमसेन और ट्रुपदकुमार धृष्टद्युम्न चतुरंगिणी सेना साथ लेकर उन अनेकदेशीय सैनिकोंको रोकने लगे
bhīmasenas tadā rājan dhṛṣṭadyumnaś ca pārṣataḥ | balena caturaṅgiṇyā nānādeśyān avārayat ||
Sañjaya said: O King, at that time Bhīmasena and Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the son of Pārṣata (Drupada), supported by a full fourfold army, held back the warriors drawn from many lands. In the press of battle, their stand was a disciplined defense—restraining the enemy’s advance and protecting their own side through coordinated strength rather than reckless fury.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣātra-dharma expressed as disciplined protection: leaders use organized strength (the fourfold army) to restrain harm and prevent an enemy breakthrough, emphasizing responsibility and coordinated action over impulsive violence.
During the battle, Bhīma and Dhṛṣṭadyumna, backed by a complete fourfold force, block and repel the advance of troops gathered from many regions, stabilizing their side’s position in the fighting.