Shloka 766
Adhyāya 141 — Night duels: Śaineya and Bhūriśravas; Droṇi and Ghaṭotkaca; Bhīma and Duryodhana
ध्वजमस्य समासाद्य तस्थौ भीमो महीतले । कर्णकी सारी इन्द्रियाँ व्यथित हो गयी थीं। वह रथके पिछले भागमें दुबक गया था। उसे उस अवस्थामें देखकर भीमसेन उसके ध्वजका सहारा लेकर पृथ्वीपर खड़े हो गये
dhvajam asya samāsādya tasthau bhīmo mahītale | karṇakī sārī indriyāṇi vyathitāni babhūvuḥ | sa rathasya paścād-bhāge dubakaḥ āsīt | taṃ tathāvasthaṃ dṛṣṭvā bhīmasenas tasya dhvajasya sahāyena pṛthivyāṃ sthitaḥ |
Sanjaya said: Reaching his banner, Bhima stood firm upon the earth. Karna’s charioteer and his senses were shaken; he had crouched down in the rear of the chariot. Seeing him in that condition, Bhimasena, taking support of the banner, remained standing on the ground—an image of relentless pressure in battle, where fear and disarray can seize even the mighty, while resolve seeks any support to continue the fight.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights battlefield dharma in a psychological register: even great warriors can be shaken, yet duty and determination persist. Bhima’s standing by the banner symbolizes steadfastness—finding support (literal and moral) to continue one’s responsibility amid chaos.
Sanjaya describes Bhima reaching the opponent’s banner and standing on the ground. Karna’s charioteer and senses are disturbed, and he crouches at the back of the chariot. Observing this, Bhima remains poised, using the banner as support, pressing the advantage in the ongoing combat scene.