Mahabharata — Virata Parva, Shloka 26
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 33 — Kuru Cattle-Raid and Matsya Mobilization (भूमिंजय-प्रेरणा)
परावृत्तो धनुर्गह्य सुशर्मा भ्रातृभि: सह । निमेषान्तरमात्रेण भीमसेनेन ते रथा:
vaiśampāyana uvāca | parāvṛtto dhanur gṛhya suśarmā bhrātṛbhiḥ saha | nimeṣāntaramātreṇa bhīmasenena te rathāḥ |
Vaiśampāyana nói: Nói vậy rồi, Suśarmā quay lại, cầm cung, cùng các anh em xông trở vào chiến địa. Nhưng chỉ trong khoảnh khắc chớp mắt, Bhīmasena nắm lấy chùy, đánh quật quân địch gần vua Virāṭa, khiến đà tấn công của chúng bị bẻ gãy tức thì.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of steadfastness and protection: Suśarmā renews his attack with resolve, while Bhīma’s rapid intervention safeguards Virāṭa’s side. Ethically, it also points to the sobering reality that in war decisive action can instantly turn into large-scale destruction, demanding discernment about when force is justified.
Suśarmā, having withdrawn or turned aside, comes back into combat with his brothers, bow in hand. At the same time, Bhīmasena acts with extraordinary speed, crushing the enemy’s chariot forces (and surrounding ranks), thereby checking the assault near King Virāṭa.