Shloka 17
Chapter 47: Krauñca-vyūha Deployment and Conch-Signals
Kaurava–Pāṇḍava Readiness
भीमसेन उवाच क्व गमिष्यसि राजेन्द्र निक्षिप्तकवचायुध: । दंशितेष्वरिसैन्येषु भ्रातृनुत्सृज्य पार्थिव
bhīmasena uvāca | kva gamiṣyasi rājendra nikṣiptakavacāyudhaḥ | daṃśiteṣv ari-sainyeṣu bhrātṝn utsṛjya pārthiva ||
ビー マセーナは言った。「王の中の最上よ、鎧と武器を投げ捨てて、どこへ行かれるのですか。大地の主よ、兄弟を捨て、甲冑を整えた敵軍の列へ踏み入るとは——いかなる道を選ばれるのですか。」
भीमसेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-ethics in wartime: one should not abandon protective duty toward one’s own side, nor enter danger unarmed in a way that appears like despair or dereliction. Bhīma’s challenge frames responsibility, solidarity with brothers, and disciplined courage as dharmic conduct.
In the midst of battle, Bhīmasena confronts a kingly figure who seems to be moving toward the enemy lines after laying aside armor and weapons. Bhīma questions this sudden, risky movement—especially the act of leaving brothers behind—implying alarm at a potentially self-destructive or dishonorable decision.