Shloka 20
भीष्मस्य जलप्रार्थना — अर्जुनस्य पर्जन्यास्त्रप्रयोगः — दुर्योधनं प्रति सन्ध्युपदेशः
Bhīṣma’s request for water; Arjuna’s Parjanya-astra; counsel to Duryodhana on reconciliation
तदा न ममृषे शल्यो भीमसेनस्य विक्रमम्,उस समय राजा शल्य भीमसेनके उस पराक्रमको न सह सके। उन्होंने लोहारके माँजे हुए पैने बाणोंका संधान करके समरभूमिमें भीमसेनको बींध डाला और कहा--'खड़ा रह, खड़ा रह”
tadā na mamṛṣe śalyo bhīmasenasya vikramam | lohakāra-mañjita-tīkṣṇa-bāṇān sandhāya samara-bhūmau bhīmasenaṃ vivyādha, uvāca ca—“tiṣṭha tiṣṭha” ||
Sañjaya dijo: Entonces el rey Śalya ya no pudo soportar el ímpetu de Bhīmasena. Apuntando con flechas afiladas como acero pulido por un herrero, hirió a Bhīma en el campo de batalla y clamó: «¡Detente! ¡Detente!»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring Mahābhārata ethic: unchecked pride and intolerance of another’s excellence can fuel escalation. Even when valor is admired, rivalry may convert it into hostility, reminding readers that inner restraint is as crucial as martial skill.
Sañjaya narrates that Śalya, unable to bear Bhīma’s battlefield prowess, aims sharpened arrows and pierces Bhīma, then challenges him with the command “tiṣṭha tiṣṭha” (“Stand your ground!”).