Shloka 4
Gadā-yuddhe Bhīma–Duryodhanayoḥ Tumulaḥ Saṃprahāraḥ
Mace-duel’s intense exchange
भूत्वा हि जगतो नाथो हानाथ इव मे सुतः । गदामुद्यम्य यो याति किमन्यद् भागधेयत:,“जो मेरा पुत्र सम्पूर्ण जगत्का नाथ था, वही अनाथकी भाँति गदा हाथमें लेकर युद्धस्थलमें पैदल जा रहा था। इसे भाग्यके सिवा और क्या कहा जा सकता है?
bhūtvā hi jagato nātho hānātha iva me sutaḥ | gadām udyamya yo yāti kim anyad bhāgadhayataḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “My son, who once stood as the lord and protector of the whole world, now goes on foot to the battlefield like one without refuge, raising his mace in hand. What else can this be called, if not the decree of fate?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the fragility of worldly power: even one who was regarded as a ‘protector of the world’ can be reduced to apparent helplessness in war. It frames this reversal as bhāgadhaya—destiny—inviting reflection on impermanence and the limits of human control amid dharma and conflict.
The speaker laments a dramatic reversal: his son, formerly a great lord, is now seen going on foot into battle, mace raised, like someone without support. The scene emphasizes the tragic turn of events in the war and attributes it to fate.