Shloka 18
Rātri-yuddhe Droṇasya prahāraḥ — Bhīmasenasya dhārtarāṣṭra-śūrānām nigrahaḥ
Night Battle: Droṇa’s Assault and Bhīma’s Suppression of Dhārtarāṣṭra Warriors
स वध्यमान: समरे रथं द्रोणस्य मारिष । ईषायां पाणिना गृह प्रचिक्षेप महाबल:,आर्य! समरांगणमें बाणोंसे आहत होते हुए महाबली भीमने द्रोणाचार्यके रथके ईषादण्डको हाथसे पकड़कर समूचे रथको दूर फेंक दिया
sa vadhyamānaḥ samare rathaṃ droṇasya māriṣa | īṣāyāṃ pāṇinā gṛhya pracikṣepa mahābalaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Though being struck down by arrows in the thick of battle, mighty Bhīma—O venerable one—seized the pole of Droṇa’s chariot with his hand and hurled the entire chariot far away. The scene underscores Bhīma’s fierce resolve and physical power, even while under attack, within the relentless ethics of kṣatriya warfare where valor and endurance are tested without pause.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya ideals of courage and steadfastness: even when wounded, a warrior is expected to maintain resolve and act decisively. It also illustrates how personal prowess can shift the momentum of battle, while remaining within the harsh, duty-bound framework of wartime conduct.
During the fighting, Bhīma is being hit by arrows but still manages to grab the pole of Droṇa’s chariot and fling the whole chariot away, demonstrating extraordinary strength and aggression in the ongoing conflict.