Shloka 40
Bhīma–Duryodhana Gadāyuddha Saṃkalpa
Resolve for the Mace Duel
गदाहस्तं तु तं दृष्टवा सशृुदड्भमिव पर्वतम्
gadāhastaṃ tu taṃ dṛṣṭvā saśṛṅgam iva parvatam
Dijo Sañjaya: Al verlo con la maza en la mano—como una montaña coronada de cumbres—los guerreros contemplaron una figura de poder temible e inconmovible, emblema de la brutal escalada de la guerra, cuando la fuerza y la resolución dominan el instante.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward power and weapon-bearing presence can shape the moral atmosphere of battle—evoking awe and fear—reminding readers that war often magnifies force over discernment, and that ethical steadiness is tested amid displays of might.
Sañjaya describes someone appearing on the battlefield holding a mace; his imposing form is compared to a peak-crowned mountain, signaling a formidable combatant entering or standing ready for combat.