Shloka 37
Adhyāya 33: Rauhiṇeya (Balarāma) is welcomed and takes his seat to witness the gadā-engagement
इत्युक्त्वा भरतश्रेष्ठो गदामुद्यम्य वीर्यवान् । उदतिष्ठत युद्धाय शक्रो वृत्रमिवाह्दयन्
ity uktvā bharataśreṣṭho gadām udyamya vīryavān | udatiṣṭhata yuddhāya śakro vṛtram ivāhvayan ||
Sanjaya said: Having spoken thus, the mighty Bhimasena—foremost among the Bharatas—lifted up his mace and rose to fight. He challenged Duryodhana, just as Indra once called out Vritra.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya resolve: once a vow or declaration is made, the warrior must stand up and act with courage. The Indra–Vṛtra comparison frames the duel as a decisive confrontation where steadfastness and rightful determination are tested.
After speaking, Bhīma raises his mace and rises for combat, openly challenging Duryodhana. Sañjaya describes this moment with a mythic simile: Bhīma’s call is like Indra’s challenge to Vṛtra before their climactic battle.