Shloka 21
Daiva–Puruṣakāra Discourse and the Elephant-Corps Engagement (भीमगजानीक-सम्भ्रान्ति)
त॑ दृष्टवा विरथं तत्र भीमसेनमरिंदमम्
taṁ dṛṣṭvā virathaṁ tatra bhīmasenam arindamam
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Nang makita si Bhīmasena roon—bagaman nawalan ng karwahe ngunit nananatiling kakila-kilabot na manlulupig ng kaaway—ipinakita ng tagpong iyon na sa digmaan, ang tunay na lakas ay hindi nasusukat sa kagamitan, kundi sa matatag na tapang sa gitna ng biglaang pagbaligtad ng kapalaran.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights resilience and kṣatriya valor: even when external supports like a chariot are lost, a warrior’s true mettle is shown by unwavering courage and continued readiness to face adversity.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīma is seen on the battlefield in a ‘viratha’ state—without his chariot—yet described as ‘arindama,’ emphasizing that despite this setback he remains a fearsome opponent.