Shloka 343
Śalya-parva Adhyāya 26 — Duryodhana’s remnant formation and rapid engagements
दंशितान् प्रतिजग्राह भीमसेन: प्रतापवान् । मरनेसे बचे हुए सैन्यसमूहसे निकलकर शीघ्रतापूर्वक अपने ऊपर आक्रमण करते हुए उन कवचधारी योद्धाओंको प्रतापी भीमसेनने आगे बढ़नेसे रोक दिया
sañjaya uvāca | daṃśitān pratijagrāha bhīmasenaḥ pratāpavān | maraṇeṣv avasiṣṭaṃ sainyasamūhaṃ niryāntaṃ śīghrataraṃ svopari praharantam āgatān kavacadhāriṇaḥ yodhān pratāpī bhīmasenaḥ purato gatim avārayat |
Sanjaya said: The mighty Bhimasena confronted the armored warriors. As those who had survived the slaughter surged out from the remaining host and rushed swiftly to strike at him, the valiant Bhima checked their advance and held them back. The scene underscores the grim ethic of battlefield duty: courage and protection of one’s side amid relentless, retaliatory assaults.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the harsh frame of dharma-yuddha, steadfast courage and disciplined resistance are praised: Bhima does not yield to a sudden counterattack but restrains the oncoming force, protecting his side and maintaining order amid chaos.
After heavy losses, the surviving troops rush out and attack Bhima. Sanjaya reports that Bhima, renowned for strength and prowess, meets them head-on and prevents their forward advance.