Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 4
Gadā-yuddhe Bhīma–Duryodhanayoḥ Tumulaḥ Saṃprahāraḥ
Mace-duel’s intense exchange
भूत्वा हि जगतो नाथो हानाथ इव मे सुतः । गदामुद्यम्य यो याति किमन्यद् भागधेयत:
bhūtvā hi jagato nātho hānātha iva me sutaḥ | gadām udyamya yo yāti kim anyad bhāgadhayataḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana berkata: “Anakku, yang dahulu menjadi tuan dan pelindung seluruh jagat, kini berjalan kaki ke medan perang seperti orang tanpa tempat bergantung, mengangkat gada di tangannya. Apakah ini dapat disebut apa lagi selain ketetapan takdir?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the fragility of worldly power: even one who was regarded as a ‘protector of the world’ can be reduced to apparent helplessness in war. It frames this reversal as bhāgadhaya—destiny—inviting reflection on impermanence and the limits of human control amid dharma and conflict.
The speaker laments a dramatic reversal: his son, formerly a great lord, is now seen going on foot into battle, mace raised, like someone without support. The scene emphasizes the tragic turn of events in the war and attributes it to fate.