Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 75
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 22 — Draupadī’s Abduction Attempt and Bhīma’s Suppression of the Kīcakas
नदन्तं च महानादं भिन्नभेरीसमस्वनम् | भ्रामयामास सुचिरं विस्फुरन्तमचेतसम्
nadantaṃ ca mahānādaṃ bhinnabherīsamasvanam | bhrāmayāmāsa suciraṃ visphurantam acetasaṃ ||
Roaring loudly—its sound like that of a shattered kettle-drum—and writhing in frantic spasms as its senses failed, he was whirled around for a long time by Bhīmasena.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the principle that when force is required to restrain wrongdoing in a battle context, it should be decisive and effective. Bhīma’s action represents the swift neutralization of a threat, emphasizing protection and the maintenance of order (dharma) amid conflict.
A combatant, roaring loudly with a harsh, drum-like sound and convulsing as consciousness fades, is seized and spun around for a long time by Bhīmasena. Vaiśampāyana narrates the opponent’s helpless state and Bhīma’s overpowering control.