Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 41
Śalya–Bhīma Gadā-saṃnipāta and Śalya’s Bāṇa-jāla against Yudhiṣṭhira
Book 9, Chapter 11
ऋक्षवर्णाञ्जघानाश्वान् भोजो भीमस्य संयुगे । सो<वतीर्य रथोपस्थाद्धताश्वात् पाण्डुनन्दन:
ṛkṣavarṇāñ jaghānāśvān bhojo bhīmasya saṁyuge | so ’vatīrya rathopasthād dhatāśvāt pāṇḍunandanaḥ ||
三阇耶说道：在激战之中，那位婆阇勇士击倒了毗摩的战马——毛色如熊般黝黑。坐骑既亡，般度之子便从战车踏板跃下，改以步战继续厮杀。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a wartime ethical tension: victory often turns on disabling an opponent’s means (here, the horses), yet the warrior’s dharma is shown in steadfastness—Bhīma does not retreat but adapts immediately, meeting adversity with courage and continued engagement.
During the battle, a Bhoja fighter kills Bhīma’s horses. With his chariot immobilized, Bhīma (the son of Pāṇḍu) jumps down from the chariot-platform and continues the fight on foot.