Shloka 32
अध्याय ८० — मध्यंदिन-रणवृत्तान्तः
Yudhiṣṭhira–Śrutāyu encounter; Cekitāna–Gautama clash; Abhimanyu pressure; Arjuna’s redeployment
एवमुक्त्वा ततो वीरो ययौ मध्येन भारत । भीमसेनस्यथ मार्गेषु गदाप्रमथितैर्गजै:
evam uktvā tato vīro yayau madhyena bhārata | bhīmasenasyātha mārgeṣu gadāpramathitair gajaiḥ ||
Sañjaya nói: Nói xong, dũng tướng Dhr̥ṣṭadyumna tiến thẳng vào giữa đạo quân Kaurava, hỡi Bhārata, theo những lối Bhīmasena đã mở ra—rải rác trên đó là những voi bị chùy của chàng nghiền nát.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-duty in a righteous war: leaders must advance with resolve, yet the imagery of fallen elephants reminds the listener that victory is purchased through grave destruction, inviting reflection on the ethical cost of force even when duty compels action.
After speaking, Dhr̥ṣṭadyumna moves into the center of the Kaurava formation, using the openings created by Bhīma—routes marked by elephants that Bhīma has smashed with his mace—showing how Bhīma’s assault has physically cleared a passage for allied warriors.