Shloka 19
Adhyāya 141 — Night duels: Śaineya and Bhūriśravas; Droṇi and Ghaṭotkaca; Bhīma and Duryodhana
तदप्यथ निमेषार्धाच्चिच्छेदास्थ वृकोदर:,परंतु भीमसेनने आधे निमेषमें ही उसे भी काट दिया। इसी प्रकार तीसरे, चौथे, पाँचवें छठे, सातवें, आठवें, नवें, दसवें, ग्यारहवें, बारहवें, तेरहवें, चौदहवें, पंद्रहवें और सोलहदें धनुषको भी भीमसेनने काट डाला
tad apy atha nimeṣārdhāc ciccheda sthā vṛkodaraḥ
Sañjaya said: Even that (weapon/bow) too, within half the blink of an eye, Vṛkodara cut down. In the same manner Bhīmasena went on severing the third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, tenth, eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth, fourteenth, fifteenth, and sixteenth bows as well—displaying overwhelming speed and force in the press of battle, where prowess and resolve decide the moment’s outcome.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights decisive action and mastery in one’s chosen duty: in the chaos of war, a warrior’s trained speed and resolve can neutralize repeated threats instantly. Ethically, it underscores the Mahābhārata’s theme that outcomes in battle hinge on preparedness and unwavering execution of kṣatriya responsibility.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīma (Vṛkodara) severs an opponent’s bow in half a blink, and continues cutting successive bows—third through sixteenth—showing that each attempt to rearm is immediately thwarted by Bhīma’s superior force and rapidity.