Shloka 36
Arjuna’s Advance toward Bhīṣma; The Gāṇḍīva’s Signal and the Armies’ Convergence (भीष्माभिमुखगमनम् — गाण्डीवनिर्घोष-ध्वजवर्णनम्)
भीमभीमरथौ चोभौ भीमसेनो हसन्निव
bhīmabhīmarathau cobhau bhīmaseno hasann iva
Sañjaya said: Both—Bhīma and the formidable chariot—appeared terrifying; and Bhīmasena, as if laughing, displayed a fearless confidence amid the battle’s dread, signaling resolve rather than cruelty.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of steadfast courage in a righteous duty: a warrior’s inner fearlessness and composure (symbolized by Bhīma’s ‘as if laughing’) can coexist with the terrifying reality of war, emphasizing resolve and self-mastery rather than mere aggression.
Sañjaya describes Bhīma on the battlefield: both Bhīma himself and his chariot appear dread-inspiring, and Bhīma seems to be laughing—an image meant to convey his confidence and intimidating presence as the combat intensifies.