Shloka 21
Daiva–Puruṣakāra Discourse and the Elephant-Corps Engagement (भीमगजानीक-सम्भ्रान्ति)
त॑ दृष्टवा विरथं तत्र भीमसेनमरिंदमम्
taṁ dṛṣṭvā virathaṁ tatra bhīmasenam arindamam
Sañjaya dit : Voyant Bhīmasena là—privé de son char et pourtant redoutable dompteur d’ennemis—la scène rappelait que, dans la guerre, la vraie force ne se mesure pas à l’équipement, mais au courage inébranlable face aux brusques renversements.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights resilience and kṣatriya valor: even when external supports like a chariot are lost, a warrior’s true mettle is shown by unwavering courage and continued readiness to face adversity.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīma is seen on the battlefield in a ‘viratha’ state—without his chariot—yet described as ‘arindama,’ emphasizing that despite this setback he remains a fearsome opponent.