Shloka 40
Śalya-parva Adhyāya 26 — Duryodhana’s remnant formation and rapid engagements
तं॑ तथा युद्धयमानं च विनिध्नन्तं च तावकान् । ईक्षितुं नोत्सहन्ते सम तव सैन्या नराधिप,नरेश्वर! इस तरह युद्ध और आपके पुत्रोंका वध करते हुए भीमसेनको आपके सैनिक देखनेका भी साहस नहीं कर पाते थे
taṁ tathā yudhyamānaṁ ca vinighnantaṁ ca tāvakān | īkṣituṁ notsahante sma tava sainyā narādhipa naraśvara ||
Sañjaya said: “As Bhīmasena fought on in that manner, striking down your men, your troops—O king, O lord of men—no longer had the courage even to look at him. The sight of his relentless prowess shattered their resolve, and fear overcame their will to stand and witness.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral-psychological dimension of war: when violence becomes overwhelming and one side’s force appears unstoppable, courage collapses and even witnessing the act becomes unbearable. It implicitly warns that adharma-driven conflict culminates in fear, disintegration of morale, and the loss of inner steadiness.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīma is fighting fiercely and killing the Kaurava soldiers. The Kaurava troops are so terrified by his onslaught that they cannot even bring themselves to look at him.