Shloka 25
Śalya–Bhīma Gadāyuddham (मद्रराज-भीमसेन गदायुद्धम्)
ततस्तौ विरथौ राजन गदाहस्तौ महाबलौ । चिक्रीडतू रणे शूरौ सशृज्भाविव पर्वती,महाराज! उस समय वे दोनों महाबली शूरवीर रथहीन हो गदा हाथमें लेकर रणक्षेत्रमें खेल-सा करने लगे, मानो शिखरवाले दो पर्वत परस्पर टकरा रहे हों
tatas tau virathau rājan gadāhastau mahābalau | cikrīḍatū raṇe śūrāv iva śṛṅgabhāv iva parvatī ||
ततः तौ विरथौ राजन् गदाहस्तौ महाबलौ । चिक्रीडतुरणे शूरौ शृङ्गिणाविव पर्वतौ ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the Kṣatriya ideal of steadfast courage and skill: even when deprived of chariots and conventional advantage, warriors continue their duty with composure. The ‘play’ metaphor elevates disciplined mastery—yet it also hints at the tragic normalization of violence in war.
Two powerful warriors have become chariotless and now engage directly with maces on the battlefield. Sañjaya describes their clash through a grand simile: like two mountain peaks striking each other, emphasizing the intensity and weight of their combat.