Shloka 17
Daiva–Puruṣakāra Discourse and the Elephant-Corps Engagement (भीमगजानीक-सम्भ्रान्ति)
स्वबाहुबलमास्थाय न न्यवर्तत पाण्डव: । न चचाल रथोपस्थाद् भीमसेनो महाबल:
svabāhubalam āsthāya na nyavartata pāṇḍavaḥ | na cacāla rathopasthād bhīmaseno mahābalaḥ ||
三阇耶说道：那位般度之子倚仗自身臂力，毫不退转。大力的毗摩塞那端坐战车之座，竟连一丝一毫也不动摇——面对奔涌而来的敌军，心志如铁，不因恐惧或犹疑而让出寸土。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣātra-dharma in battle: steadfastness under pressure. Bhīma’s refusal to retreat or even shift from his chariot-seat models courage, self-reliance, and unwavering resolve when confronted by danger.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Bhīmasena, relying on his own strength, does not retreat. Even amid intense combat conditions, he remains unmoved on his chariot, signaling dominance and fearlessness before the enemy.