Shloka 20
Śalya-parva Adhyāya 26 — Duryodhana’s remnant formation and rapid engagements
भल्लेन पातयामास भीमो दुर्विषहं रणे । स पपात हतो वाहात् पश्यतां सर्वधन्विनाम्
sañjaya uvāca | bhallena pātayāmāsa bhīmo durviṣahaṃ raṇe | sa papāta hato vāhāt paśyatāṃ sarvadhanvinām |
Sañjaya disse: No auge da batalha, Bhīma derrubou Durviṣaha com uma flecha bhalla. Ferido por aquele golpe, Durviṣaha caiu de sua montaria/veículo diante dos olhos de todos os arqueiros. A cena ressalta a implacável e pública finalidade da guerra dos kṣatriya, em que o valor e suas consequências se desenrolam à vista de todos os guerreiros reunidos.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya world of the Mahābhārata: deeds in war carry immediate, visible consequences, and valor is tested under public scrutiny. It also reflects the epic’s ethical tension—heroism and duty in battle coexist with the tragedy of kin-slaying.
Sanjaya reports that Bhima strikes Durviṣaha with a bhalla-arrow, causing him to fall from his conveyance (commonly understood as his chariot) in the sight of all the archers on the battlefield.