Shloka 42
भीमसेन-धृष्टद्युम्नयोर्वाक्यं
Bhīmasena and Dhṛṣṭadyumna’s Speeches on Kṣātra-Dharma
भीमसेन तु युध्यन्तं भारद्वाजरथं प्रति । स्वयं दुर्योधनो राजा प्रत्यविध्यच्छितै: शरै:
bhīmasena tu yudhyantaṃ bhāradvājarathaṃ prati | svayaṃ duryodhano rājā pratyavidhyac chitaiḥ śaraiḥ ||
ಸಂಜಯನು ಹೇಳಿದರು—ಭೀಮಸೇನನು ಭಾರದ್ವಾಜ (ದ್ರೋಣ) ರಥಯೋಧನ ವಿರುದ್ಧ ಯುದ್ಧಮಾಡುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾಗ, ರಾಜ ದುರ್ಯೋಧನನು ಸ್ವತಃ ತೀಕ್ಷ್ಣವಾದ, ನಿಖರವಾಗಿ ಗುರಿತಟ್ಟಿದ ಬಾಣಗಳಿಂದ ಪ್ರತಿಹಿಂಸೆ ಮಾಡಿದನು।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of direct responsibility in crisis: a ruler does not remain merely a commander but may personally enter danger to defend his forces. Ethically, it also reflects the tragic momentum of war, where valor and duty operate within a larger adharma-laden conflict.
Bhīma is engaged in combat against Droṇa (identified by his Bhāradvāja lineage). Seeing this, Duryodhana himself counter-attacks Bhīma, striking him with sharp arrows to check Bhīma’s advance and support Droṇa’s side.