Shloka 58
Adhyāya 141 — Night duels: Śaineya and Bhūriśravas; Droṇi and Ghaṭotkaca; Bhīma and Duryodhana
तावद्धिरथ तान् भीमो व्योम्नि चिच्छेद पत्रिभि: । नाराचान् सूतपुत्रस्य तिष्ठ तिछेति चाब्रवीत्
tāvaddhiratha tān bhīmo vyomni ciccheda patribhiḥ | nārācān sūtaputrasya tiṣṭha tiṣṭheti cābravīt ||
तावद्धिरथ तान् भीमो व्योम्नि चिच्छेद पत्रिभिः । नाराचान् सूतपुत्रस्य तिष्ठ तिष्ठेति चाब्रवीत् ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of confronting danger directly with courage and skill. Bhīma’s interception of incoming missiles and his open challenge emphasize steadfastness, fearlessness, and the warrior’s resolve to meet an opponent face-to-face rather than yield ground.
During the battle, Karna (the Sūta’s son) releases arrows, but Bhīma swiftly cuts them down in mid-air with his own shafts. After neutralizing the attack, Bhīma calls out “Stand! Stand!” to stop Karna’s advance/withdrawal and compel a direct engagement.