Shloka 36
Arjuna’s Advance toward Bhīṣma; The Gāṇḍīva’s Signal and the Armies’ Convergence (भीष्माभिमुखगमनम् — गाण्डीवनिर्घोष-ध्वजवर्णनम्)
भीमभीमरथौ चोभौ भीमसेनो हसन्निव
bhīmabhīmarathau cobhau bhīmaseno hasann iva
بھیم اور اس کا ہیبت ناک رتھ—دونوں خوف انگیز دکھائی دیتے تھے؛ اور بھیم سین گویا ہنستا ہوا، میدانِ جنگ کی دہشت میں بھی بےخوف اعتماد ظاہر کر رہا تھا۔
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical ideal of steadfast courage in a righteous duty: a warrior’s inner fearlessness and composure (symbolized by Bhīma’s ‘as if laughing’) can coexist with the terrifying reality of war, emphasizing resolve and self-mastery rather than mere aggression.
Sañjaya describes Bhīma on the battlefield: both Bhīma himself and his chariot appear dread-inspiring, and Bhīma seems to be laughing—an image meant to convey his confidence and intimidating presence as the combat intensifies.