Shloka 8
Arjuna’s Advance toward Bhīṣma; The Gāṇḍīva’s Signal and the Armies’ Convergence (भीष्माभिमुखगमनम् — गाण्डीवनिर्घोष-ध्वजवर्णनम्)
ततो भीमो महाबाहु: स्वरथं सुमहाबल:
tato bhīmo mahābāhuḥ svarathaṃ sumahābalaḥ
Sañjaya said: Then Bhīma—mighty-armed and of tremendous strength—advanced with his own chariot. The line underscores Bhīma’s personal resolve and martial responsibility as the battle intensifies, presenting strength as an instrument directed toward a chosen duty in war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that power and prowess gain meaning when aligned with one’s chosen duty (kṣatriya responsibility in battle). Bhīma’s strength is presented not as mere aggression but as purposeful resolve within the demands of war.
Sañjaya narrates that Bhīma, renowned for immense strength, moves forward with his own chariot—signaling his entry or advance in the unfolding combat sequence of the Bhīṣma Parva.