Shloka 10
भीष्मवधाय प्रयाणम् — The Advance toward Bhīṣma and Counter-Engagements
तानापतत एवाजौ भीमसेनो महाबल: । प्रत्युद्ययाौ महाराज गज: प्रतिगजानिव,महाराज! उन्हें युद्धमें आक्रमण करते देख जैसे हाथी अपने विपक्षी हाथियोंकी ओर दौड़ता है, उसी प्रकार महावली भीमसेन उनकी अगवानीके लिये आगे बढ़े
tān āpatata evājau bhīmaseno mahābalaḥ | pratyudyayau mahārāja gajaḥ pratigajān iva ||
Sañjaya said: Seeing them rushing forward on the battlefield, mighty Bhīmasena advanced to meet them, O King—like a great elephant charging straight toward opposing elephants. The verse highlights fearless resolve and the warrior’s duty to confront aggression without retreat.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores kṣatriya-dharma: when aggression comes in battle, a warrior who has taken up the righteous fight should meet it with steadiness and courage, not with panic or retreat. The elephant simile conveys controlled power—strength directed toward duty.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that as the opposing fighters charge in the battle, Bhīma—renowned for immense strength—moves forward to confront them, likened to an elephant rushing against rival elephants.