Shloka 17
Chapter 47: Krauñca-vyūha Deployment and Conch-Signals
Kaurava–Pāṇḍava Readiness
भीमसेन उवाच क्व गमिष्यसि राजेन्द्र निक्षिप्तकवचायुध: । दंशितेष्वरिसैन्येषु भ्रातृनुत्सृज्य पार्थिव,भीमसेनने पूछा--महाराज! पृथ्वीनाथ! कवच और आयुध नीचे डालकर भाइयोंको भी छोड़कर कवच आदिसे सुसज्जित हुई शत्रु-सेनामें कहाँ जायँगे?
bhīmasena uvāca | kva gamiṣyasi rājendra nikṣiptakavacāyudhaḥ | daṃśiteṣv ari-sainyeṣu bhrātṝn utsṛjya pārthiva ||
Bhīmasena said: “O best of kings, where are you going, having cast aside your armor and weapons? O ruler of the earth, abandoning your brothers and entering the enemy’s ranks that stand fully armed—what is this course you choose?”
भीमसेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-ethics in wartime: one should not abandon protective duty toward one’s own side, nor enter danger unarmed in a way that appears like despair or dereliction. Bhīma’s challenge frames responsibility, solidarity with brothers, and disciplined courage as dharmic conduct.
In the midst of battle, Bhīmasena confronts a kingly figure who seems to be moving toward the enemy lines after laying aside armor and weapons. Bhīma questions this sudden, risky movement—especially the act of leaving brothers behind—implying alarm at a potentially self-destructive or dishonorable decision.