Shloka 8
Bhagadattā’s Deployment Against Ghaṭotkaca; Elephant-Corps Escalation
न तत्रासीत् पुमान् कश्नित् पाण्डवानां विशाम्पते । अन्यत्र रथिनां श्रेष्ठाद् भीमसेनान्महाबलात्,प्रजानाथ! उस समय वहाँ रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ महाबली भीमसेनके सिवा पाण्डवपक्षका कोई भी वीर भीष्मके सामने नहीं ठहर सका
na tatrāsīt pumān kaścit pāṇḍavānāṁ viśāmpate | anyatra rathināṁ śreṣṭhād bhīmasenān mahābalāt prajānātha ||
Sañjaya berkata: Wahai penguasa rakyat, saat itu tak seorang pun dari pihak Pāṇḍava sanggup bertahan di hadapan Bhīṣma—kecuali Bhīmasena yang perkasa, yang utama di antara para kesatria kereta.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that in the chaos of righteous conflict, collective strength can falter before overwhelming authority and skill; then dhairya (steadfast courage) in a single responsible warrior becomes crucial. It also reflects the ethical weight of facing revered elders like Bhīṣma, which can weaken resolve even among capable fighters.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that, at that moment on the battlefield, none among the Pāṇḍava side could withstand Bhīṣma—except Bhīma, the mighty chariot-warrior, who alone remained able to confront him.