Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 26
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 33 — Kuru Cattle-Raid and Matsya Mobilization (भूमिंजय-प्रेरणा)
परावृत्तो धनुर्गह्य सुशर्मा भ्रातृभि: सह । निमेषान्तरमात्रेण भीमसेनेन ते रथा:
vaiśampāyana uvāca | parāvṛtto dhanur gṛhya suśarmā bhrātṛbhiḥ saha | nimeṣāntaramātreṇa bhīmasenena te rathāḥ |
Vaiśampāyana said: Having turned back, Suśarmā—taking up his bow and accompanied by his brothers—rushed again into the fray. In the mere space of a blink, Bhīmasena seized his mace and struck down the enemy near King Virāṭa, swiftly breaking the attackers’ momentum.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of steadfastness and protection: Suśarmā renews his attack with resolve, while Bhīma’s rapid intervention safeguards Virāṭa’s side. Ethically, it also points to the sobering reality that in war decisive action can instantly turn into large-scale destruction, demanding discernment about when force is justified.
Suśarmā, having withdrawn or turned aside, comes back into combat with his brothers, bow in hand. At the same time, Bhīmasena acts with extraordinary speed, crushing the enemy’s chariot forces (and surrounding ranks), thereby checking the assault near King Virāṭa.