Shloka 12
Somadatta’s Kṣātra-Dharma Accusation; Night Combat, Māyā, and the Fall of Ghaṭotkaca
Droṇa-parva, Adhyāya 131
भीमो<पि दृष्ट्वा सावेगं पुरो वैकर्तनं स्थितम्
bhīmo ’pi dṛṣṭvā sāvegaṃ puro vaikartanaṃ sthitam
Sañjaya berkata: “Bahkan Bhīma, tatkala melihat Vaikartana (Karṇa) berdiri di hadapan dengan daya serbu yang menggelegak, menyedari rintangan dahsyat yang menghalang para Pāṇḍava di tengah kancah pertempuran.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical pressure of kṣatriya-dharma in war: even the strongest must recognize a worthy opponent and respond with disciplined courage rather than rashness. It underscores alertness, respect for martial prowess, and resolve amid peril.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīma notices Karṇa (called Vaikartana) positioned directly ahead, advancing or standing with great force. The line sets up a tense battlefield moment where Bhīma confronts a powerful adversary blocking the way.