Shloka 53
अलायुधस्य भीमवधसंकल्पः
Alāyudha’s Resolve to Confront Bhīma
क्षितावास्तां महेष्वासौ पाञ्चाल्यै: परिवारितौ | तौ दृष्टवा मुदितौ वीरौ प्राञ्जली चाग्रत: स्थितौ
kṣitāv āstāṃ maheṣvāsau pāñcālyaiḥ parivāritau | tau dṛṣṭvā muditau vīrau prāñjalī cāgrataḥ sthitau ||
Sañjaya said: The two great archers lay upon the ground, surrounded by the Pāñcālas. Seeing them, two valiant warriors—gladdened yet restrained by the gravity of the moment—stood in front with joined palms, signaling reverence and a pause in hostility amid the harsh ethics of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even within warfare, dharma can require moments of restraint and reverence: the gesture of joined palms suggests acknowledgment of status, relationship, or the solemnity of the fallen, reminding that victory is not merely triumph but also moral burden.
Sañjaya reports that two renowned archers are lying on the ground while Pāñcāla warriors stand around them; upon seeing this scene, two other heroes approach, become pleased (or relieved), and stand before them with folded hands in a respectful posture.