Shloka 24
Śalya-parva Adhyāya 26 — Duryodhana’s remnant formation and rapid engagements
ततो<न्यद् धनुरादाय भीमसेनो महाबल: । अवाकिरत् तव सुतं तिष्ठ तिछेति चाब्रवीत्,तब महाबली भीमसेन दूसरा धनुष लेकर आपके पुत्रपर बाणोंकी वर्षा करने लगे और बोले--'खड़ा रह, खड़ा रह”
tato 'nyad dhanur ādāya bhīmaseno mahābalaḥ | avākirat tava sutaṃ tiṣṭha tiṣṭheti cābravīt |
Sañjaya disse: Então Bhīmasena, de força imensa, tomou outro arco e cobriu teu filho com uma chuva de flechas, bradando: “Mantém-te firme—mantém-te firme!” Na dura ética do dever no campo de batalha, a provocação não é mera crueldade, mas o desafio de um guerreiro para quebrar a resolução do adversário e forçar um confronto decisivo.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya code in war: courage and steadfastness are demanded even amid mortal danger. Bhīma’s command ‘Stand firm’ functions as a test of resolve and a push toward a decisive, face-to-face contest rather than evasive fighting.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīma switches to another bow and unleashes a dense volley of arrows at Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s son, while verbally challenging him to hold his ground. It marks an escalation in the duel’s intensity and aims to overwhelm both body and morale.