Shloka 20
Śalya-parva Adhyāya 26 — Duryodhana’s remnant formation and rapid engagements
भल्लेन पातयामास भीमो दुर्विषहं रणे । स पपात हतो वाहात् पश्यतां सर्वधन्विनाम्
sañjaya uvāca | bhallena pātayāmāsa bhīmo durviṣahaṃ raṇe | sa papāta hato vāhāt paśyatāṃ sarvadhanvinām |
サンジャヤは言った。戦のただ中で、ビーマは「バッラ（bhalla）」の矢でドゥルヴィシャハを射倒した。その一撃に傷ついたドゥルヴィシャハは、弓兵たちの見守る前で、乗り物／戦車から落ちた。この光景は、クシャトリヤの戦がもつ容赦なさと、公衆の面前で下される決着の厳しさを示している。勇と報いは、集う戦士たちの眼前で明らかとなるのだ。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya world of the Mahābhārata: deeds in war carry immediate, visible consequences, and valor is tested under public scrutiny. It also reflects the epic’s ethical tension—heroism and duty in battle coexist with the tragedy of kin-slaying.
Sanjaya reports that Bhima strikes Durviṣaha with a bhalla-arrow, causing him to fall from his conveyance (commonly understood as his chariot) in the sight of all the archers on the battlefield.