Shloka 42
Duryodhana-patana-anuśocana
The Fall of Duryodhana and the Contest of Restraint
ततो मुहूर्तमाश्चस्य दुर्योधनमुपस्थितम् । वेगेनाभ्यपतद् राजन् भीमसेन: प्रतापवान्
tato muhūrtam āścarya duryodhanam upasthitam | vegena abhyapatad rājan bhīmasenaḥ pratāpavān |
Then, after a brief moment of astonishment at Duryodhana standing before him, mighty Bhīmasena—full of prowess—rushed upon him with irresistible speed, O King. The verse highlights how, in the heat of war, hesitation gives way to decisive action driven by resolve and martial duty.
वायुदेव उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a dharmic war setting, a warrior may briefly pause in astonishment, but must then act with firm resolve. The verse underscores decisive effort (puruṣakāra) once the opponent is clearly before one, reflecting kṣatriya-duty and the moral seriousness of combat.
Duryodhana is seen standing present on the battlefield. After a momentary shock, Bhīma—renowned for strength and valor—charges at him swiftly, initiating direct engagement.