Shloka 57
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 33 — Kuru Cattle-Raid and Matsya Mobilization (भूमिंजय-प्रेरणा)
प्रोवाच पुरुषव्याप्रो भीममाहवशोभिनम्
vaiśampāyana uvāca | provāca puruṣavyāghro bhīmam āhavśobhinam | bhīma yuddhe atyantaṃ suśobhita āsīt | puruṣaśreṣṭho rājā yudhiṣṭhiraḥ suśarmāṇaṃ tāṃ daśāṃ dṛṣṭvā jahāsa ca bhīmasenam uvāca—“imaṃ narādhamam utsṛja” iti | tasyaivam uktvāpi bhīmo mahābaliḥ suśarmāṇam uvāca |
Vaiśampāyana said: Yudhiṣṭhira, the tiger among men, addressed Bhīma, who was shining in the battle. Seeing Suśarmā brought to such a condition, King Yudhiṣṭhira laughed and said to Bhīmasena, “Release this lowest of men.” Even after being told so, the mighty Bhīma spoke to Suśarmā.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid battle, restraint and proportionate response are part of dharma. Yudhiṣṭhira’s instruction to release the fallen enemy highlights a preference for self-control and ethical conduct over uncontrolled vengeance, reminding warriors that victory should not become cruelty.
In the Virāṭa Parva battle episode, Bhīma is excelling in combat. Suśarmā is seen in a weakened or humiliating condition, and Yudhiṣṭhira laughs and tells Bhīma to let him go. Despite this, Bhīma—still forceful and dominant—addresses Suśarmā, continuing the confrontation verbally.