Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 48
Book 9 (Śalya-parva), Adhyāya 13 — Arjuna’s Arrow-storm and the Drauṇi Confrontation
धर्मराजपुरोगास्तु भीमसेनमुखा रथा: । न जहु: समरे शूरं शल्यमाहवशोभिनम्,तो भी धर्मराजको आगे रखकर भीमसेन आदि रथी संग्राममें शोभा पानेवाले शूरवीर शल्यको वहाँ छोड़कर पीछे न हटे
dharmarāja-purogās tu bhīmasena-mukhā rathāḥ | na jahuḥ samare śūraṃ śalyaṃ āhava-śobhinam ||
ਸੰਜਯ ਬੋਲਿਆ—ਧਰਮਰਾਜ ਨੂੰ ਅੱਗੇ ਰੱਖ ਕੇ ਅਤੇ ਭੀਮਸੇਨ ਨੂੰ ਅਗਵਾਈ ਵਿੱਚ ਕਰਕੇ, ਉਹ ਰਥੀ ਯੁੱਧ-ਸ਼ੋਭਾ ਵਾਲੇ ਸ਼ੂਰਵੀਰ ਸ਼ਲ੍ਯ ਨੂੰ ਸਮਰ ਵਿੱਚ ਛੱਡ ਕੇ ਪਿੱਛੇ ਨਾ ਹਟੇ; ਰਣ-ਕੋਲਾਹਲ ਵਿੱਚ ਵੀ ਉਹ ਧੀਰਜ ਤੇ ਧਰਮ ਨਾਲ ਅਡੋਲ ਰਹੇ।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness in kṣatriya-dharma: under rightful leadership (Dharmarāja) and with courageous champions (Bhīma) at the fore, warriors should not abandon a formidable opponent out of fear or wavering resolve. It frames perseverance and disciplined courage as ethical qualities in the battlefield context.
Sañjaya reports that the Pāṇḍava chariot-warriors, led by Yudhiṣṭhira and with Bhīma prominent among them, continued to engage the heroic Śalya in battle. They did not withdraw or leave him behind; instead they held their ground against a warrior who was resplendent in combat.
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