Shloka 40
Bhīma–Duryodhana Gadāyuddha Saṃkalpa
Resolve for the Mace Duel
गदाहस्तं तु तं दृष्टवा सशृुदड्भमिव पर्वतम्
gadāhastaṃ tu taṃ dṛṣṭvā saśṛṅgam iva parvatam
Sabi ni Sañjaya: Nang makita siyang may hawak na gada—gaya ng bundok na may mga tuktok—namalas ng mga mandirigma ang isang anyong kakila-kilabot at di matinag na lakas; sagisag ng marahas na pag-igting ng digmaan, kung saan ang lakas at paninindigan ang naghahari sa sandaling iyon.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward power and weapon-bearing presence can shape the moral atmosphere of battle—evoking awe and fear—reminding readers that war often magnifies force over discernment, and that ethical steadiness is tested amid displays of might.
Sañjaya describes someone appearing on the battlefield holding a mace; his imposing form is compared to a peak-crowned mountain, signaling a formidable combatant entering or standing ready for combat.