Shloka 10
अर्जुनस्योत्तरदिग्विजयः
Arjuna’s Northern Conquests and Tribute Collection
कि नु स्याद्धिमवान् भिन्न: कि नु स्विद् दीर्यते मही । इति वै मागधा जज्ञुर्भीमसेनस्य नि:स्वनात्
ki nu syād himavān bhinnaḥ ki nu svid dīryate mahī | iti vai māgadhā jajñur bhīmasenasya niḥsvanāt |
Vaiśampāyana said: Hearing Bhīmasena’s thunderous roar, the people of Magadha were struck with fear and wondered, “Has the Himālaya split apart? Or is the earth itself being torn asunder?” The cry is portrayed as so overwhelming that it makes ordinary listeners imagine cosmic rupture, underscoring Bhīma’s formidable presence and the panic it inspires.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how unchecked power—here symbolized by Bhīma’s roar—can overwhelm society with fear. It implicitly contrasts strength used to inspire dread with strength guided by restraint and dharma, reminding readers that might has social and moral consequences.
In the Sabha Parva context, Bhīmasena emits a tremendous roar. The people of Magadha, hearing it, panic and speculate that a natural catastrophe is occurring—either the Himālaya has split or the earth is cracking—showing the extraordinary impact of Bhīma’s presence.