Shloka 603
Śalya–Bhīma Gadā-saṃnipāta and Śalya’s Bāṇa-jāla against Yudhiṣṭhira
Book 9, Chapter 11
यन्तारं मद्रराजस्य निर्बिभेद ततो हृदि । इससे भीमसेनको तनिक भी घबराहट नहीं हुई। उन्होंने उसी तोमरको निकालकर उसके द्वारा मद्रराज शल्यके सारथिकी छाती छेद डाली
yantāraṁ madrarājasya nirbibheda tato hṛdi |
Kemudian Bhīmasena menembus jantung sais kereta raja Madra, Śalya. Tak sedikit pun ia gentar oleh luka yang diterimanya; ia mencabut tombak itu juga dan, dengan amukan perang, menghunjamkannya ke dada kusir Śalya hingga roboh.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the brutal momentum of war: once the aim becomes victory at any cost, even non-combatant roles like the charioteer are drawn into lethal danger. It invites reflection on how dharma becomes strained in battle, where tactical necessity and moral restraint collide.
In the clash involving Śalya, Bhīma—undeterred—pierces Śalya’s charioteer in the heart, effectively crippling Śalya’s chariot operation and demonstrating a tactic of disabling the enemy’s mobility and support.