Shloka 69
अर्जुनागमनम्
Arjuna’s Arrival and Reunion on the Sacred Mountain
सा भुजं भीमनिर्हादा भित्वा भीमस्य दक्षिणम् | साग्निज्वाला महारौद्रा पपात सहसा भुवि,वह अग्निकी ज्वालाके समान अत्यन्त भयंकर शक्ति भयानक गड़गड़ाहटके साथ भीमकी दाहिनी भुजाको छेदकर सहसा पृथ्वीपर गिर पड़ी
sā bhujaṃ bhīmanirhādā bhitvā bhīmasya dakṣiṇam | sāgnijvālā mahāraudrā papāta sahasā bhuvi ||
Vaiśampāyana said: With a thunderous, terrifying roar, that blazing, fire-tongued śakti pierced Bhīma’s right arm and, in an instant, fell to the ground. The scene underscores how even the mightiest warrior can be struck down by sudden, violent force, reminding the listener that strength without vigilance and restraint remains vulnerable amid the chaos of conflict.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the unpredictability and sudden reversals inherent in violent conflict: physical prowess alone is not absolute protection. It implicitly cautions against pride in strength and points to the need for alertness, discipline, and humility before forces that can overwhelm even great heroes.
A fierce, flame-like śakti weapon, accompanied by a terrifying roar, strikes and pierces Bhīma’s right arm and then drops to the earth. The narration emphasizes the weapon’s dreadful power and the abruptness of the blow.