Shloka 29
Daśame’hani Bhīṣma-yuddham — Śikhaṇḍī-rakṣaṇa, Arjuna-prabhāva, Duryodhana-āśraya-vākyam
भीमस्तु रथिनां श्रेष्ठो गदां गृह्ा महाहवे
bhīmas tu rathināṃ śreṣṭho gadāṃ gṛhya mahāhave
Sañjaya dit : Bhīma, le premier des guerriers de char, saisit sa massue dans cette grande bataille—signe de sa résolution d’opposer à la violence une force disciplinée, au service du devoir de son camp, malgré la tension morale de la guerre.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights readiness for righteous action within one’s role: Bhīma’s taking up the mace represents disciplined force employed as a kṣatriya obligation in a war framed by dharma, even when the ethical atmosphere is heavy.
Sañjaya describes Bhīma, renowned among chariot-fighters, grasping his mace on the battlefield—an immediate preparation for close combat and a cue that a fierce engagement is about to unfold.