Shloka 20
Śalya-parva Adhyāya 26 — Duryodhana’s remnant formation and rapid engagements
भल्लेन पातयामास भीमो दुर्विषहं रणे । स पपात हतो वाहात् पश्यतां सर्वधन्विनाम्,वे दोनों महारथी वीर बाणोंसे सारा शरीर बिंध जानेके कारण रणभूमिमें गिर पड़े। तत्पश्चात् आपके पुत्र दुर्विषहको संग्राममें चढ़ाई करते देख भीमसेनने एक भल्लसे मार गिराया। उस भल्लकी चोट खाकर दुर्विषह सम्पूर्ण धनुर्धरोंके देखते-देखते रथसे नीचे जा गिरा
sañjaya uvāca | bhallena pātayāmāsa bhīmo durviṣahaṃ raṇe | sa papāta hato vāhāt paśyatāṃ sarvadhanvinām |
Sanjaya said: In the thick of battle, Bhima struck down Durviṣaha with a bhalla-arrow. Wounded by that blow, Durviṣaha fell from his mount/vehicle before the eyes of all the bowmen. The scene underscores the relentless, public finality of kṣatriya warfare, where valor and consequence unfold in full view of the assembled warriors.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya world of the Mahābhārata: deeds in war carry immediate, visible consequences, and valor is tested under public scrutiny. It also reflects the epic’s ethical tension—heroism and duty in battle coexist with the tragedy of kin-slaying.
Sanjaya reports that Bhima strikes Durviṣaha with a bhalla-arrow, causing him to fall from his conveyance (commonly understood as his chariot) in the sight of all the archers on the battlefield.