Shloka 15
भीष्मवधाय प्रयाणम् — The Advance toward Bhīṣma and Counter-Engagements
दृष्टवा रथस्थांस्तान् शूरान् सूर्याग्निसमतेजस: । सवनिव महेष्वासान् भ्राजमानान् श्रिया वृतान्,वे सब-के-सब रथपर बैठे हुए शूरवीर, सूर्य और अग्निके समान तेजस्वी, महाधनुर्धर, उत्तम शोभासे प्रकाशमान, सुवर्णमय मुकुटसे जगमग प्रतीत होनेवाले और अत्यन्त कान्तिमान् थे। उस महासमरमें उन्हें आते देखकर आपके महाबली पुत्र भीमसेनको छोड़कर वहाँसे दूर हट गये
sañjaya uvāca |
dṛṣṭvā rathasthāṁs tān śūrān sūryāgnisamatejasaḥ |
savanīva maheṣvāsān bhrājamānān śriyā vṛtān |
Sañjaya said: Seeing those heroes stationed on their chariots—radiant like the sun and fire, great bowmen, shining with splendor and encompassed by fortune—(the opposing warriors) recoiled from the field; only Bhīmasena, your mighty son, did not withdraw in that great battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral-psychological dimension of kṣatriya-dharma: true valor is steadiness under fear and awe. Many withdraw when confronted by overwhelming splendor and power, while Bhīma stands firm—illustrating courage as ethical resolve, not mere aggression.
Sañjaya describes a battlefield moment: formidable chariot-borne heroes, blazing like sun and fire and adorned with splendor, advance. Their appearance intimidates others into retreat; Bhīmasena alone remains unshaken and does not fall back.