Shloka 21
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय ६६: तुमुलसंग्रामवर्णनम्
The Tumult of Battle Described
त॑ं तथा महतीं सेनां द्रावयन्तं पुन: पुनः । दृष्टवा मृत्युमिवायान्तं सर्वे विममनसो5भवन्,उस विशाल सेनाको बारंबार भगानेवाले भीमसेनको मौतके समान सामने आते देख समस्त योद्धाओंका मन उदास हो जाता था
taṁ tathā mahatīṁ senāṁ drāvayantaṁ punaḥ punaḥ | dṛṣṭvā mṛtyum ivāyāntaṁ sarve vimanaso 'bhavan ||
Sañjaya dit : Voyant Bhīmasena, encore et encore, mettre en déroute cette immense armée, et le voyant s’avancer tel la Mort elle-même, tous les guerriers furent accablés au fond du cœur.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and psychological dimension of war: when a warrior’s might appears irresistible, fear spreads and collective morale collapses. It implicitly warns that in conflict, inner steadiness and discernment are as crucial as numbers and weapons.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīmasena repeatedly drives back a large opposing force. As the warriors see him advancing with the inevitability of Death, they become despondent and lose heart.