Shloka 17
शल्यपरिघातः (Śalya Under Encirclement) — Mahābhārata, Śalya-parva, Adhyāya 12
तथा भीमगदावेगैस्ताड्यमानो मुहुर्मुहुः । शल्यो न विव्यथे राजन् दन्तिनेव महागिरि:
tathā bhīmagadāvegais tāḍyamāno muhur muhuḥ | śalyo na vivyathe rājan dantineva mahāgiriḥ ||
三阇耶说道：即使一次又一次被毗摩钉头槌那狂猛的冲势击中，舍利耶也不曾退缩，王啊——如同巨山遭大象冲撞而岿然不动。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores steadfastness under pressure: a warrior’s discipline is shown not merely in striking, but in remaining composed and unshaken when repeatedly struck. In the ethical atmosphere of the Mahābhārata’s war, such endurance is portrayed as a hallmark of kṣatriya conduct, even amid a conflict fraught with moral complexity.
Sañjaya describes a combat moment where Bhīma repeatedly lands heavy mace-blows upon Śalya. Despite the repeated impacts, Śalya does not waver; he is compared to a great mountain that remains unmoved even when an elephant attacks it.