Shloka 18
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
त॑ चरन्तं रणे पार्था ददृशु: कौरवं युधि । मृगमध्यं प्रविश्येव यथा सिंहशिशुं वने,जैसे सिंहका बच्चा वनके भीतर मृगोंके झुंडमें घुसकर खेल कर रहा हो, उसी प्रकार कुन्तीकुमारोंने युद्धमें विचरते हुए कुरुवंशी भीष्मको वहाँ देखा
taṁ carantaṁ raṇe pārthā dadṛśuḥ kauravaṁ yudhi | mṛga-madhyaṁ praviśyeva yathā siṁha-śiśuṁ vane ||
Sanjaya dijo: Los hijos de Pṛthā vieron a Bhishma, del linaje Kuru, moverse en lo más recio de la batalla. Parecía un joven león que se adentra en medio de una manada de ciervos en el bosque—sin temor y con soltura—tal como los Pāṇḍavas lo contemplaron recorriendo el combate.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of steadfast courage in one’s appointed duty (kṣatriya-dharma): Bhīṣma moves through battle with the composure and fearlessness of a lion among deer, illustrating how inner resolve and mastery over fear shape moral stature in crisis.
Sanjaya reports that the Pāṇḍavas observe Bhīṣma, the Kuru elder and commander, roaming powerfully across the battlefield. The poet uses a vivid simile—like a lion-cub entering a herd of deer—to convey Bhīṣma’s dominance and the intimidation felt by opponents.