Shloka 48
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 33 — Kuru Cattle-Raid and Matsya Mobilization (भूमिंजय-प्रेरणा)
अभिद्रुत्य सुशर्माणं केशपक्षे परामृशत् | समुद्यम्य तु रोषात् तं निष्पिपेष महीतले
abhidrutya suśarmāṇaṁ keśapakṣe parāmṛśat | samudyamya tu roṣāt taṁ niṣpipeṣa mahītale ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Rushing straight at Suśarmā, Bhīma seized him by the hair. Then, in a surge of wrath, he lifted him up and smashed him down upon the earth, grinding him there—meant to break the enemy’s pride and end his resistance in battle.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the fierce, punitive side of kṣatriya warfare: when a hostile aggressor persists, decisive force may be used to neutralize him and shatter his arrogance. Ethically, it reflects battlefield pragmatism and the warrior’s duty to protect one’s side, while also warning how anger can intensify violence.
Bhīma charges Suśarmā, grabs him by the hair, lifts him in anger, and slams him onto the ground, crushing and grinding him there—depicting Bhīma’s overwhelming strength and dominance in close combat.