Shloka 84
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
भगदत्तश्ष समरे तेन नागेन भारत । विमृद्नन् पाण्डवबलं युधिष्ठिरमुपाद्रवत्,भारत! भगदत्तने भी समरभूमिमें उस हाथीके द्वारा पाण्डवसेनाको कुचलते हुए युधिष्ठिरपर धावा किया
sañjaya uvāca | bhagadattaḥ samare tena nāgena bhārata | vimṛdnann pāṇḍava-balaṃ yudhiṣṭhiram upādravat, bhārata ||
सञ्जय उवाच—भारत, तदा समरे भगदत्तः तेन नागेन पाण्डवबलं विमृद्नन् युधिष्ठिरमेवाभ्यद्रवत्।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a dharmic trial in warfare: brute force and terror (an elephant charge) are directed at the righteous leader, implying that steadfastness, protection of one’s troops, and composure under threat are essential aspects of kṣatriya-dharma even amid chaos.
Sañjaya reports that Bhagadatta advances in battle with his elephant, trampling the Pāṇḍava ranks, and then makes a direct assault on Yudhiṣṭhira, intensifying the danger around the Pāṇḍava command.