Shloka 12
दमयन्त्याः व्याकुलता — स्वयंवरसंनिपातः — देवदूतयाचनम्
Damayantī’s Distress, Proclamation of the Svayaṃvara, and the Gods’ Request
तेषां मध्ये महेष्वासो भीमो भीमपराक्रम: । शैक्यया वीरघातिन्या गदया विचरिष्यति,“उनके बीचमें जब भयानक पराक्रमी महान् धनुर्थर भीमसेन बड़े-बड़े वीरोंका संहार करनेवाली आकाशगमें ऊपर उठी हुई गदा लिये विचरेंगे तब उन भीमकी गदाके वेगको तथा वज्रगर्जके समान गाण्डीव धनुषकी टंकारको भी कोई नरेश नहीं सह सकता
teṣāṁ madhye maheṣvāso bhīmo bhīmaparākramaḥ | śaikyayā vīraghātinyā gadayā vicariṣyati |
Vaiśampāyana said: “In the midst of them will move Bhīma—mighty archer, terrible in prowess—roaming with his mace, a weapon that brings down heroes. When Bhīma strides among the ranks with that upraised, death-dealing club, no king can endure the rush of his mace.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of formidable courage and battlefield capability: righteous power, when embodied by a warrior like Bhīma, becomes a force that others must reckon with. It underscores that leadership and kingship are tested by the ability to withstand and respond to overwhelming martial strength.
Vaiśampāyana describes Bhīma moving among opposing forces with his mace, characterized as ‘hero-slaying.’ The scene is a vivid martial portrayal meant to convey that Bhīma’s onslaught is so intense that no king can bear the impact of his mace’s speed and force.