Shloka 37
Bhagadattā’s Deployment Against Ghaṭotkaca; Elephant-Corps Escalation
निहता भ्रातर: शूरा भीमसेनेन मे युधि | यतमानास्तथान्ये5पि हन्यन्ते सर्वसैनिका:,“पितामह! भीमसेनने युद्धमें मेरे शूरवीर बन्धुओंको मार डाला और दूसरे भी समस्त सैनिक विजयके लिये पूर्ण प्रयत्न करते हुए भी असफल हो उनके हाथसे मारे जा रहे हैं
nihitā bhrātaraḥ śūrā bhīmasenena me yudhi | yatamānās tathānye 'pi hanyante sarvasainikāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “O Grandfather, my heroic brothers have been slain in battle by Bhīmasena. And the rest of the army too—though striving with all their might for victory—are being cut down by him.” The report underscores the moral weight of war: valor and effort do not guarantee success when adharma-driven ambition meets a force perceived as righteous and resolute.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the limits of mere effort and valor in war: even determined warriors can fall when the larger moral and strategic tide turns against them. It also reflects the ethical gravity of fratricidal conflict—victory pursued at any cost results in irreversible loss.
Sañjaya reports battlefield developments: Bhīma has killed Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s heroic brothers/kinsmen, and many other soldiers are also being slain despite their strenuous attempts to win. The address 'Pitāmaha' indicates the report is framed with reference to Bhīṣma as the revered elder on the field.