Shloka 52
भीमसेन-धृष्टद्युम्नयोर्वाक्यं
Bhīmasena and Dhṛṣṭadyumna’s Speeches on Kṣātra-Dharma
द्वितीयं च तृतीयं च चतुर्थ पठचमं तथा । आत्तमात्तं महाराज भीमस्य धनुराच्छिनत्
dvitīyaṃ ca tṛtīyaṃ ca caturthaṃ pañcamaṃ tathā | āttam āttaṃ mahārāja bhīmasya dhanur āchinat |
द्वितीयं च तृतीयं च चतुर्थं पञ्चमं तथा । आत्तमात्तं महाराज भीमस्य धनुराच्छिनत् ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the intensity of kṣatriya warfare: perseverance under repeated setbacks and the decisive role of skill and timing. Ethically, it underscores how, in battle, resolve is tested not by a single blow but by repeated disruption of one’s means and composure.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīma’s bow is cut down repeatedly—second, third, fourth, and fifth times—each time Bhīma takes it up again, indicating sustained pressure from an opposing warrior and the escalating ferocity of the encounter.