Shloka 84
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
भगदत्तश्ष समरे तेन नागेन भारत । विमृद्नन् पाण्डवबलं युधिष्ठिरमुपाद्रवत्,भारत! भगदत्तने भी समरभूमिमें उस हाथीके द्वारा पाण्डवसेनाको कुचलते हुए युधिष्ठिरपर धावा किया
sañjaya uvāca | bhagadattaḥ samare tena nāgena bhārata | vimṛdnann pāṇḍava-balaṃ yudhiṣṭhiram upādravat, bhārata ||
Sañjaya said: O Bhārata, in the midst of battle Bhagadatta, using that elephant, crushed the Pāṇḍava forces and then charged straight at Yudhiṣṭhira. The scene underscores how, in war, power and momentum are turned into direct threats against the righteous leader, testing steadiness and dharma under violent pressure.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic trial in warfare: brute force and terror (an elephant charge) are directed at the righteous leader, implying that steadfastness, protection of one’s troops, and composure under threat are essential aspects of kṣatriya-dharma even amid chaos.
Sañjaya reports that Bhagadatta advances in battle with his elephant, trampling the Pāṇḍava ranks, and then makes a direct assault on Yudhiṣṭhira, intensifying the danger around the Pāṇḍava command.