Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 4
Gadā-yuddhe Bhīma–Duryodhanayoḥ Tumulaḥ Saṃprahāraḥ
Mace-duel’s intense exchange
भूत्वा हि जगतो नाथो हानाथ इव मे सुतः । गदामुद्यम्य यो याति किमन्यद् भागधेयत:
bhūtvā hi jagato nātho hānātha iva me sutaḥ | gadām udyamya yo yāti kim anyad bhāgadhayataḥ ||
Disse Vaiśampāyana: “Meu filho, que fora senhor e protetor do mundo inteiro, agora vai a pé ao campo de batalha como alguém sem amparo, erguendo a maça na mão. Que outra coisa se pode chamar isso, senão decreto do destino?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the fragility of worldly power: even one who was regarded as a ‘protector of the world’ can be reduced to apparent helplessness in war. It frames this reversal as bhāgadhaya—destiny—inviting reflection on impermanence and the limits of human control amid dharma and conflict.
The speaker laments a dramatic reversal: his son, formerly a great lord, is now seen going on foot into battle, mace raised, like someone without support. The scene emphasizes the tragic turn of events in the war and attributes it to fate.