Shloka 11
प्रावृट्-शरत्-वर्णनम् — Description of the Monsoon and Autumn; Sarasvatī in the Pāṇḍavas’ Exile
मृगयां परिधावन् स समेषु मरुधन्वसु विध्यन् मृगान् शरै: शुद्ध क्षचार स महाबल:,महाबली भीम सारे मरु प्रदेशमें शिकारके लिये दौड़ते और केवल बाणोंद्वारा हिंसक पशुओंको घायल करते हुए विचरा करते थे
mṛgayāṃ paridhāvan sa sameṣu marudhanvasu vidhyan mṛgān śaraiḥ śuddhakṣaraḥ sa mahābalaḥ
Vaiśampāyana said: Mighty Bhīma ranged about the level stretches of the desert, running in pursuit of the hunt. He struck down wild animals with his arrows, moving through the arid land with disciplined force—an image of controlled violence directed toward survival and protection rather than wanton cruelty.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames hunting as controlled, purposeful force: Bhīma’s strength is shown as disciplined action in harsh conditions, suggesting restraint and responsibility even when violence is involved.
During the forest-exile setting, Bhīma moves through desert-like tracts, pursuing game and striking animals with arrows as part of the group’s practical needs and protection while traveling.