Shloka 48
Book 9 (Śalya-parva), Adhyāya 13 — Arjuna’s Arrow-storm and the Drauṇi Confrontation
धर्मराजपुरोगास्तु भीमसेनमुखा रथा: । न जहु: समरे शूरं शल्यमाहवशोभिनम्,तो भी धर्मराजको आगे रखकर भीमसेन आदि रथी संग्राममें शोभा पानेवाले शूरवीर शल्यको वहाँ छोड़कर पीछे न हटे
dharmarāja-purogās tu bhīmasena-mukhā rathāḥ | na jahuḥ samare śūraṃ śalyaṃ āhava-śobhinam ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Taglay si Dharmarāja (Yudhiṣṭhira) sa unahan, at si Bhīmasena ang nangunguna, hindi iniwan ng mga mandirigmang karwahe si Śalya—ang bayani na nagliliwanag sa gitna ng labanan. Kahit mabigat ang diin ng digmaan, hindi sila umurong na iniiwan siya—matatag sa pasya at tungkulin sa gitna ng kaguluhan ng sagupaan.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness in kṣatriya-dharma: under rightful leadership (Dharmarāja) and with courageous champions (Bhīma) at the fore, warriors should not abandon a formidable opponent out of fear or wavering resolve. It frames perseverance and disciplined courage as ethical qualities in the battlefield context.
Sañjaya reports that the Pāṇḍava chariot-warriors, led by Yudhiṣṭhira and with Bhīma prominent among them, continued to engage the heroic Śalya in battle. They did not withdraw or leave him behind; instead they held their ground against a warrior who was resplendent in combat.