Shloka 18
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
त॑ चरन्तं रणे पार्था ददृशु: कौरवं युधि । मृगमध्यं प्रविश्येव यथा सिंहशिशुं वने
taṁ carantaṁ raṇe pārthā dadṛśuḥ kauravaṁ yudhi | mṛga-madhyaṁ praviśyeva yathā siṁha-śiśuṁ vane ||
Sanjaya disse: Os filhos de Pṛthā viram Bhishma, da linhagem dos Kuru, mover-se no coração da batalha. Parecia um jovem leão que entra no meio de um rebanho de cervos na floresta—destemido e à vontade—assim os Pāṇḍavas o viram percorrer o combate.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of steadfast courage in one’s appointed duty (kṣatriya-dharma): Bhīṣma moves through battle with the composure and fearlessness of a lion among deer, illustrating how inner resolve and mastery over fear shape moral stature in crisis.
Sanjaya reports that the Pāṇḍavas observe Bhīṣma, the Kuru elder and commander, roaming powerfully across the battlefield. The poet uses a vivid simile—like a lion-cub entering a herd of deer—to convey Bhīṣma’s dominance and the intimidation felt by opponents.