Shloka 44
मैत्रेयागमनम् — The Arrival of Maitreya and the Admonition to Duryodhana
पातयामास वेगेन कुलिशं मघवानिव । असमभ्रान्तं तु तद् रक्ष: समरे प्रत्यदृश्यत,ऐसा कहकर अत्यन्त क्रोधमें भरे हुए बलवान् पाण्डुनन्दन भीमने वस्त्रसे अच्छी तरह अपनी कमर कस ली और हाथ-से-हाथ रगड़कर दाँतोंसे ओंठ चबाते हुए वृक्षको ही आयुध बनाकर बड़े वेगसे उसकी तरफ दौड़े और जैसे इन्द्र वज्जका प्रहार करते हैं, उसी प्रकार यमदण्डके समान उस भयंकर वृक्षको राक्षसके मस्तकपर उन्होंने बड़े जोरसे दे मारा। तो भी वह निशाचर युद्धमें अविचलभावसे खड़ा दिखायी दिया
pātayāmāsa vegena kuliśaṃ maghavān iva | asamabhrāntaṃ tu tad rakṣaḥ samare pratyadṛśyata ||
With a sudden surge of force, he brought down the blow like Maghavān (Indra) hurling his thunderbolt. Yet that rākṣasa, unshaken and unconfused, was seen standing firm in the battle.
विदुर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadiness under pressure: true strength is not only in delivering a powerful strike but also in remaining unshaken when struck. In ethical terms, it contrasts raw force with inner composure, suggesting that endurance and clarity can be as decisive as aggression in conflict.
A warrior’s blow is compared to Indra’s thunderbolt, emphasizing its intensity. Despite this, the rākṣasa does not reel or fall; he remains steady on the battlefield, signaling that the fight is not easily decided and that the opponent possesses formidable resilience.