Shloka 38
Bhīma–Duryodhana Gadāyuddha Saṃkalpa
Resolve for the Mace Duel
स भिवत्त्वा स्तम्भितं तोयं स्कन््धे कृत्वा5ड5यसीं गदाम्
sa bhivattvā stambhitaṃ toyaṃ skandhe kṛtvā ayasīṃ gadām
Sañjaya said: Having offered his salute, he steadied himself and—setting the iron mace upon his shoulder—moved forward with controlled resolve. The moment reveals the warrior’s discipline: even amid violence, action is framed by ritual respect and self-mastery.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a battlefield setting, the text highlights self-control and proper conduct: a warrior’s power is to be governed by discipline and respectful observance, not mere rage.
Sañjaya narrates a warrior’s immediate action: after offering a salutation, he composes himself and takes up an iron mace on his shoulder, signaling readiness for the next martial engagement.