Shloka 40
Arjuna’s Advance toward Bhīṣma; The Gāṇḍīva’s Signal and the Armies’ Convergence (भीष्माभिमुखगमनम् — गाण्डीवनिर्घोष-ध्वजवर्णनम्)
ततोडब्रवीच्छान्तनव: सवनिव महारथान् | एष भीमो रणे क्रुद्धो धार्तराष्ट्रानू महारथान्,तदनन्तर शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्मने सभी महारथियोंसे कहा--'ये भयंकर धनुर्धर भीमसेन युद्धमें क़ुद्ध होकर सामने आये हुए श्रेष्ठ, ज्येष्ठ एवं शूर महारथी धृतराष्ट्रपुत्रोंकी मार गिराते हैं। अतः तुम सब लोग मिलकर इन्हें शीघ्र काबूमें करो”
tato 'bravīc chāntanavaḥ saṃniviṣṭān mahārathān | eṣa bhīmo raṇe kruddho dhārtarāṣṭrān mahārathān ||
Sañjaya said: Then Śāntanava (Bhīṣma) addressed the assembled great chariot-warriors: “Here is Bhīma, wrathful in battle, striking down the Dhārtarāṣṭra champions. Therefore, all of you together must quickly restrain him.” The moment underscores the ethical tension of war: even renowned heroes must act collectively to check a single warrior’s destructive fury, lest the battle’s violence exceed all control.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Unchecked wrath in war becomes a force that threatens order itself; leadership demands timely restraint and coordinated action, even against a single overpowering fighter.
Bhīṣma observes Bhīma rampaging against the Kaurava champions and instructs the assembled elite warriors to unite and quickly contain him.