Shloka 236
Daiva–Puruṣakāra Discourse and the Elephant-Corps Engagement (भीमगजानीक-सम्भ्रान्ति)
शक्रदेवाय चिक्षेप सर्वशैक्यायसीं गदाम् | जिसके घोड़े मारे गये थे, उसी रथपर खड़े हुए महाबली भीमसेनने शक्रदेवको लक्ष्य करके सम्पूर्णतः लोहेके सारतत्त्वकी बनी हुई अपनी गदा चलायी
śakradevāya cikṣepa sarvaśaikyāyasīṃ gadām |
Sañjaya dijo: Bhīmasena, el guerrero de gran poder, en pie sobre el mismo carro cuyos caballos habían sido abatidos, arrojó su maza—hecha enteramente de hierro macizo—apuntándola a Śakradeva (Indra). La escena subraya el ímpetu implacable de la batalla: aun entre pérdida y desorden, un kṣatriya avanza con resolución inquebrantable, dirigiendo su fuerza contra un adversario formidable de porte divino.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the battlefield ethic of the Mahābhārata, steadfastness (dhairya) and kṣatriya-dharma are highlighted: even when one’s chariot is compromised and circumstances are adverse, a warrior is expected to maintain resolve and act decisively rather than collapse into despair.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīmasena, positioned on a chariot whose horses have been killed, targets Śakradeva and throws his heavy iron mace at him, intensifying the close-quarters violence of the encounter.