Shloka 21
Bhagadatta’s Advance, the Saṃśaptaka Challenge, and Arjuna’s Counterstrike (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय २६)
स नागप्रवरो भीम॑ सहसा समुपाद्रवत् । चरणाभ्यामथो द्वाभ्यां संहतेन करेण च,वह गजराज अपने दो पैरों तथा सिकोड़ी हुई सूँड़के द्वारा सहसा भीमसेनपर टूट पड़ा
sa nāgapravaro bhīmaṁ sahasā samupādravat | caraṇābhyām atho dvābhyāṁ saṁhatena kareṇa ca ||
स नागप्रवरो भीमं सहसा समुपाद्रवत् । चरणाभ्यामथो द्वाभ्यां संहतेन करेण च ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the battlefield reality that raw power can strike suddenly; the ethical demand on a warrior is steadiness and courage under unexpected danger, maintaining resolve amid chaos.
Sañjaya describes a powerful elephant abruptly charging Bhīmasena, attacking with its two feet and with its trunk held tightly together.