Shloka 12
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय ९६: सौभद्रस्य आक्रमणम्, अलम्बुसस्य प्रतिविधानम्
Abhimanyu’s assault; Alambusa’s counter-engagement
वेगेन महता राजन् पर्वकाले यथोदध्ि:
sañjaya uvāca | vegena mahatā rājan pūrṇimākāle yathodadhiḥ, tathā bhīmaseno 'tyanta-vegenāgre 'bhavat | tasya pṛṣṭhataḥ satyadhṛtiḥ raṇadurmadaḥ saucittiḥ śreṇimān vasudānaḥ kāśirājasya putro 'bhibhūḥ abhimanyuś ca, draupadyāḥ pañca mahārathāḥ putrāḥ, parākramaḥ kṣatradevaḥ kṣatradharmā ca, anūpadeśasya rājā nīlaḥ—ye svabale samyak-pratyayavantaḥ—ete sarve vīrā viśālena ratha-senayā saha hiḍimbā-kumāraṃ ghaṭotkacaṃ sarvataḥ paryavārayām āsuḥ |
Wika ni Sañjaya: “O Hari, kung paanong ang karagatan ay lumolobo nang may matinding lakas sa panahon ng kabilugan ng buwan, gayon din sumugod si Bhīmasena nang ubod ng bilis. Kasunod niya nang malapitan sina Satyadhriti, Ranadurmad, Sauchitti, Shreniman, Vasudana, si Abhibhu na anak ng hari ng Kāshi, si Abhimanyu, ang limang anak ni Draupadī na mga dakilang mandirigmang-karwahe, ang magigiting na Kshatradeva at Kshatradharma, at si Nīla, hari ng lupain ng Anūpa—mga bayani na lubos ang tiwala sa sariling lakas. Kasama ang napakalaking hukbo ng mga karwahe, pinaligiran nilang lahat si Ghaṭotkacha, anak ni Hiḍimbā, sa bawat panig.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how collective resolve and coordinated action amplify strength in dharmic warfare: when many capable warriors unite with confidence and discipline, they can contain even a formidable opponent. The simile of the full-moon ocean underscores surging momentum—ethical force expressed as steadfast courage and duty on the battlefield.
Sanjaya reports to Dhritarashtra that Bhima charges forward with immense speed. A group of notable Pandava-aligned warriors—along with a large chariot host—then closes in from all directions to encircle Ghatotkacha, the powerful rakshasa-born son of Hidimba.