Shloka 38
Śalya–Bhīma Gadāyuddham (मद्रराज-भीमसेन गदायुद्धम्)
वैकर्तनं तु समरे विराट: प्रत्यवारयत् । सह मत्स्यैर्महावीर्यैस्तदद्भुतमिवा भवत्,समरभूमिमें महापराक्रमी मत्स्यदेशीय वीरोंके साथ विराटने विकर्तनपुत्र कर्णको रोका। वह अद्भुत-सी बात थी
vaikartanaṃ tu samare virāṭaḥ pratyavārayat | saha matsyair mahāvīryais tad adbhutam ivābhavat ||
Sañjaya said: In the thick of battle, Virāṭa checked Vaikartana (Karna). Supported by the mighty warriors of the Matsya country, this seemed almost wondrous—an unexpected stand against so formidable a foe.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma expressed as steadfast courage and protective leadership: even against a renowned warrior like Karṇa, Virāṭa—supported by his people—stands firm. Ethical emphasis falls on collective duty, loyalty to one’s side, and the surprising power of coordinated valor.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that on the battlefield Virāṭa, aided by the powerful Matsya fighters, managed to check Karṇa’s advance. The moment is presented as ‘adbhuta’ because restraining Karṇa in open combat is portrayed as an exceptional feat.