Shloka 40
Bhīma–Duryodhana Gadāyuddha Saṃkalpa
Resolve for the Mace Duel
गदाहस्तं तु तं दृष्टवा सशृुदड्भमिव पर्वतम्
gadāhastaṃ tu taṃ dṛṣṭvā saśṛṅgam iva parvatam
Sañjaya berkata: Melihat dia menggenggam gada—bagaikan gunung yang bertingkat-tingkat puncaknya—para pahlawan menyaksikan sosok yang dahsyat, teguh tak tergoyahkan; lambang kepada peningkatan kejamnya perang, ketika kekuatan dan tekad menguasai saat itu.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward power and weapon-bearing presence can shape the moral atmosphere of battle—evoking awe and fear—reminding readers that war often magnifies force over discernment, and that ethical steadiness is tested amid displays of might.
Sañjaya describes someone appearing on the battlefield holding a mace; his imposing form is compared to a peak-crowned mountain, signaling a formidable combatant entering or standing ready for combat.