Shloka 17
Daiva–Puruṣakāra Discourse and the Elephant-Corps Engagement (भीमगजानीक-सम्भ्रान्ति)
स्वबाहुबलमास्थाय न न्यवर्तत पाण्डव: । न चचाल रथोपस्थाद् भीमसेनो महाबल:
svabāhubalam āsthāya na nyavartata pāṇḍavaḥ | na cacāla rathopasthād bhīmaseno mahābalaḥ ||
Ketika prajurit Cedi melarikan diri, seluruh pasukan Kalinga mendekat dan mengepung Bhimasena; namun putra Pandu yang mahaperkasa itu, bersandar pada kekuatan lengannya sendiri, tidak mundur setapak pun, dan tidak bergeming sedikit pun dari tempat duduk keretanya.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣātra-dharma in battle: steadfastness under pressure. Bhīma’s refusal to retreat or even shift from his chariot-seat models courage, self-reliance, and unwavering resolve when confronted by danger.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīmasena, relying on his own strength, does not retreat. Even amid intense combat conditions, he remains unmoved on his chariot, signaling dominance and fearlessness before the enemy.