Mahabharata 9.26.20 — Shalya Parva, Adhyaya 26, Shloka 20
Śalya-parva Adhyāya 26 — Duryodhana’s remnant formation and rapid engagements
भल्लेन पातयामास भीमो दुर्विषहं रणे । स पपात हतो वाहात् पश्यतां सर्वधन्विनाम्
sañjaya uvāca | bhallena pātayāmāsa bhīmo durviṣahaṃ raṇe | sa papāta hato vāhāt paśyatāṃ sarvadhanvinām |
Sañjaya said: In the thick of battle, Bhīma struck down Durviṣaha with a bhalla-arrow. Wounded by that blow, Durviṣaha fell from his mount/vehicle before the eyes of all the bowmen. The scene underscores the relentless, public finality of kṣatriya warfare, where valor and consequence unfold in full view of the assembled warriors.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya world of the Mahābhārata: deeds in war carry immediate, visible consequences, and valor is tested under public scrutiny. It also reflects the epic’s ethical tension—heroism and duty in battle coexist with the tragedy of kin-slaying.
Sanjaya reports that Bhima strikes Durviṣaha with a bhalla-arrow, causing him to fall from his conveyance (commonly understood as his chariot) in the sight of all the archers on the battlefield.
Ask anything about this verse
Curious about the meaning, context, or a word? Ask, and continue the conversation in the Vedapath app.
A free Google sign-in keeps your chat saved across web and the app.
Read Mahabharata in the Vedapath app
Scan the QR code to open this directly in the app, with audio, word-by-word meanings, and more.