Shloka 71
अर्जुनागमनम्
Arjuna’s Arrival and Reunion on the Sacred Mountain
रुक्मपट्टपिनद्धां तां शत्रूणां भयवर्धिनीम् । प्रगृह्या थ नदन् भीम: शैक्यां सर्वायसीं गदाम्
rukmapaṭṭapinaddhāṃ tāṃ śatrūṇāṃ bhayavardhinīm | pragṛhya tha nadan bhīmaḥ śaikyāṃ sarvāyasīṃ gadām ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then Bhīma, roaring aloud, seized that iron mace—bound with a golden band and a terror that swelled the fear of enemies—taking it up as a weapon fit for decisive combat.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of resolute courage: righteous strength is not merely physical power but also steadfastness and the capacity to confront fear—both within oneself and in opponents—through disciplined readiness for battle.
Bhīma loudly roars and takes up an all-iron mace, ornamented with a golden binding. The description emphasizes the weapon’s formidable nature and Bhīma’s battle-intent, heightening the sense of imminent confrontation.