Section XV - Battle between Bhima and Salya: Epic Combat Description
Book index: Mahabharata (English)
This page contains a summary of the Mahabharata Section XV including examples of moral lessons in daily life. The Maha-Bharata is one of the largest epics ever written containing roughly 100,000 Sanskrit verses. It deals with the legendary history of ancient India and contains a large number of interwoven tales.
Short summary of the chapter:
In this passage from the Mahabharata, Dhritarashtra expresses his envy at not being able to witness the intense battle between the Kurus and the Pandavas firsthand. Sanjaya recounts a fierce combat between Salya and Subhadra's son, Bhima, both wielding massive iron maces. The two warriors clashed with equal strength and skill, their maces creating sparks and flashes of fire as they fought fiercely. Despite heavy blows exchanged between them, neither Salya nor Bhima showed signs of weakness or backing down.
As the battle raged on, Salya's mace broke into fragments when struck by Bhima, while Bhima's mace glowed with a fiery intensity when struck by Salya. The two warriors stood their ground, resembling two mighty bulls in a fierce duel. Their maces clashed with thunderous force, leaving both combatants covered in blood but undeterred. Despite the intense fighting, neither Salya nor Bhima showed any signs of giving up or backing down from the battle.
After a series of powerful blows exchanged between the two warriors, they both fell to the ground simultaneously, like two Indra's poles. Kritavarman, a mighty car-warrior, quickly came to Salya's aid and carried him off the battlefield after he lost consciousness. Bhima, however, rose up quickly and stood ready for further battle, displaying his resilience and determination to keep fighting. The Pandavas, having defeated the Dhritarashtras, celebrated their victory with loud roars and music, shining like blazing fires on the battlefield.
The defeat of Salya at the hands of Bhima instilled fear in the hearts of the Kaurava warriors, who fled in all directions to escape their fate. The Pandavas, elated with their victory, displayed their strength and power through their triumphant celebrations. The battlefield was filled with the sounds of victory as the Pandavas' drums, conchs, and cries of joy echoed throughout, marking their success in the intense battle against their enemies. The Kurus had been vanquished, and the Pandavas stood victorious, their courage and determination shining brightly on the battlefield.
Full English translation:
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Section XV, online text
English translation by Kisari Mohan Ganguli.
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Mahabharata (English Summary)
by Kisari Mohan Ganguli | ISBN-10: 8121505933
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FAQ of Mahabharata, Section XV:
What was the outcome of the combat between Salya and Bhima in the battle?
Salya's mace broke, both warriors were wounded, and Kritavarman carried Salya away.
How did the Pandavas react after Bhima's intense battle with Salya?
The Pandavas were victorious, confident, and celebrated with loud roars and music.
Why did the Kaurava warriors flee after Salya's defeat in battle?
They were overwhelmed by fear, witnessed Salya's defeat, and scattered in retreat.
Daily life: Battle between Bhima and Salya: Epic Combat Description:
Drawing inspiration from the epic battle between Salya and Bhima, one can learn the importance of resilience, courage, and the spirit of never giving up, even in the face of adversity. In daily life, this teaches us to confront challenges head-on with determination, much like Bhima and Salya did with their maces raised, ready to face whatever came their way. It's about standing firm in our beliefs and actions, akin to how these warriors stood unmoved, resembling hills, despite being struck.
The narrative also highlights how, despite the fierceness of the battle, both warriors exhibited mutual respect and a sense of honor towards each other, respecting their opponent's valor. This teaches us the value of respecting others, even those we disagree with, and the importance of maintaining dignity in our interactions. Their ability to rise after falling, especially Bhima's quick recovery, serves as a powerful metaphor for bouncing back from setbacks in our own lives.
Furthermore, the supportive roles played by others during the battle, such as Kritavarman aiding Salya, emphasize the importance of teamwork and looking out for one another. In essence, this story inspires us to face life's battles with courage, to always get back up after a setback, and to approach challenges with a sense of respect and dignity towards ourselves and others.