Shloka 18
उस समय भीमसेन नाना प्रकारके मार्ग और विचित्र मण्डल दिखाने लगे। वे कभी शत्रुके सम्मुख आगे बढ़ते और कभी उसका सामना करते हुए ही पीछे हट आते थे ।। अस्त्रयन्त्राणि चित्राणि स्थानानि विविधानि च । परिमोक्षं प्रहाराणां वर्जन॑ं परिधावनम्,विचित्र अस्त्र-यन्त्रों और भाँति-भाँतिके स्थानोंका प्रदर्शन करते हुए वे दोनों शत्रुके प्रहारोंसे अपनेको बचाते, विपक्षीके प्रहारको व्यर्थ कर देते और दायें-बायें दौड़ लगाते थे
sañjaya uvāca | astrayantrāṇi citrāṇi sthānāni vividhāni ca | parimokṣaṃ prahārāṇāṃ varjanaṃ paridhāvanam |
Sañjaya said: At that time Bhīmasena displayed many kinds of tactical paths and intricate battle-formations. Now advancing straight toward the enemy, now withdrawing while still facing him, he exhibited wondrous weapon-devices and varied positions—evading incoming blows, nullifying the opponent’s strikes, and darting to and fro across the field.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that effective warrior-dharma is not only raw strength but also disciplined technique—knowing when to advance, when to withdraw without turning away, and how to evade and neutralize attacks. Skillful restraint and alert strategy reduce needless loss while fulfilling one’s duty in battle.
Sanjaya describes Bhimasena’s dynamic fighting: he demonstrates varied stances and tactical movements, sometimes pressing forward and sometimes retreating while still facing the foe, using intricate weapon-techniques and footwork to evade blows, render the opponent’s strikes ineffective, and move rapidly side to side.