Shloka 44
Chapter 12: Arjuna’s suppression of the Saṃśaptakas and duel with Aśvatthāmā
Drauṇi
उद्यतायुधमायान्तं गदयाहन् वृकोदर: । स पपात हत:ः सासिर्व्यसुस्तमभितो द्विपम्
udyatāyudham āyāntaṃ gadayāhan vṛkodaraḥ | sa papāta hataḥ sāsir vyasus tam abhito dvipam ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Nang sumugod ang kaaway na nakataas ang sandata, hinampas siya ni Vṛkodara (Bhīma) ng gada. Ang mandirigma, tabak pa sa kamay, ay bumagsak na walang buhay sa tabi ng kaniyang elepante.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the uncompromising nature of battlefield duty (kṣatriya-dharma): when an armed opponent advances, decisive action is required. It also reflects the ethical tension of war—valor and duty operate within a setting of unavoidable violence.
Sañjaya describes Bhīma (Vṛkodara) striking an advancing, weapon-raised warrior with his mace. The man, still holding a sword, collapses dead beside his elephant, emphasizing Bhīma’s overwhelming strength and the swift turns of combat.