Shloka 64
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 22 — Draupadī’s Abduction Attempt and Bhīma’s Suppression of the Kīcakas
भीमेन च परामृष्टो दुर्बलो बलिना रणे । प्रास्पन्दत यथाप्राणं विचकर्ष च पाण्डवम्
bhīmena ca parāmṛṣṭo durbalo balinā raṇe | prāspandata yathāprāṇaṃ vicakarṣa ca pāṇḍavam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: In that battle, seized by the mighty Bhīma, Kīcaka—though growing weak under a stronger man’s grip—still struggled with all the breath left in him, striving to overcome his opponent and dragging the Pāṇḍava toward himself.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when defeat is imminent, a person driven by arrogance and wrongdoing may continue to struggle; the episode contrasts such obstinacy with righteous strength—power used decisively to restrain harm and uphold protection.
Bhīma has seized his opponent in combat; the opponent, though weakening, still fights back with whatever strength remains, attempting to overpower Bhīma and pull him closer.