Sanjaya said, “O King Dhritarashtra, while the battlefield raged with unrelenting fury, Ashwatthama advanced against the sons of Draupadi. A rueful smile played upon his lips as he released five sharp arrows at each of them, deriving cruel satisfaction from tormenting those noble warriors. His shafts struck with deadly precision, yet the sons of Draupadi stood firm, refusing to yield before his ruthless assault.”
At the same time, King Shalya directed his wrath toward Bhimasena. With unerring aim, he struck down the mighty steeds of Bhima’s chariot, causing them to collapse instantly upon the blood-soaked earth. Undaunted, Bhimasena leapt from his shattered chariot, his colossal mace resting upon his powerful shoulders. Like a tempest unleashed by destiny itself, he stormed through the Kaurava ranks, crushing every warrior who dared stand before him. His gigantic frame, astonishing swiftness, and irresistible strength filled the enemy with terror. Soldiers scattered in panic, imagining that his terrible mace was already descending upon their heads, while others feared they would be trampled beneath his thunderous strides.
Meanwhile, Sahadeva poured an unceasing torrent of arrows upon King Shalya. The relentless assault astonished the newly appointed commander of the Kaurava army, who was also Sahadeva’s maternal uncle and the proud King of Madra. Though deeply impressed by his nephew’s extraordinary skill and courage, Shalya answered with equal determination. He slew Sahadeva’s horses, leaving the Pandava prince on foot. Instantly, many Pandava warriors rushed forward, surrounding the Madra king and pressing him from every side.
At that moment, Shalya’s valiant son, Prince Rukmangada, entered the fray and challenged Sahadeva to a fierce duel. His arrows flew with remarkable speed, but Sahadeva’s fury blazed beyond restraint. His eyes reddened with righteous anger as he sprang from his chariot, sword in hand. With astonishing agility he severed every arrow that sped toward him, bounded upon Rukmangada’s chariot like a lion pouncing upon its prey, and with a single irresistible stroke severed the prince’s head. Before the watching warriors could comprehend what had happened, Sahadeva had already returned to his own chariot. The feat appeared so swift and effortless that it seemed no more than a sportive display of supreme mastery. Awe and disbelief spread across the battlefield.
The fall of his beloved son overwhelmed King Shalya with unbearable grief, which quickly transformed into blazing wrath. Like a storm pouring endless rain, he showered arrows upon the Pandava forces, shaking their confidence and scattering their formations. With terrible speed, he carved a path through the opposing ranks, wounding every warrior who crossed his way as he drove relentlessly toward King Yudhishthira.
Observing Shalya’s furious advance, Bhimasena’s eyes flashed like burning embers. His mighty body, drenched in the blood of elephants and warriors alike, inspired fresh courage among the Pandava soldiers. Holding aloft his immense mace, as formidable as Indra’s Vajra, massive as a mountain and fierce as a venomous serpent, he advanced like Rudra at the dissolution of the worlds. With one devastating blow he crushed the horses of Shalya’s chariot into the earth.
Shalya, refusing to retreat, hurled a deadly double-edged spear that pierced Bhima’s broad chest. Unmoved by the grievous wound, Bhima grasped the embedded weapon with his left hand, tore it from his own body, and hurled it back with tremendous force. The spear struck Shalya’s charioteer, who fell lifeless beneath its crushing impact.
Now deprived of his chariot, the fearless King of Madra seized a massive iron mace. Whirling it with overwhelming power, he resembled Yama dispensing inevitable death or Rudra dancing amidst universal destruction with his terrible trident. His every blow shattered warriors and scattered entire formations.
Bhimasena answered with equal fury, raising his colossal mace as kettle drums and war tabors thundered across the battlefield. Both armies gradually ceased their fighting, captivated by the extraordinary spectacle unfolding before their eyes. Every warrior silently acknowledged that none except Bhima could withstand Shalya, and none except Shalya could truly challenge Bhima.
Sanjaya continued, “O King, the two mighty heroes circled one another like enraged lions guarding their dominion. They sprang with the force of battling bulls, their movements graceful yet terrifying. Neither retreated a single step, neither wearied nor faltered. Their sole resolve was to destroy the other.”
The two warriors hurled their mighty weapons, which collided with a deafening crash like thunder striking the peaks of mountains. Sparks, smoke, and blazing fire burst forth from the impact, darkening the battlefield itself. Their skill, endurance, strength, speed, and mastery were perfectly matched. Ignoring wounds that would have felled ordinary men, they fought like two maddened elephants locked in a struggle for supremacy or two mountains crashing against one another.
Sanjaya said, “O jewel of the Kuru race, Bhima and Shalya planted their right feet firmly upon the ground and charged at one another like powerful rams in mortal combat. Their blood-soaked bodies shone crimson like blooming Palasha trees in spring. Though exhausted by the relentless struggle, their pride and indomitable spirit only burned brighter. Swinging their heavy maces with tremendous force, they struck each other at once. The colossal blows echoed across the battlefield, and both heroes collapsed unconscious upon the earth.”
A cry of alarm arose from both armies as the two invincible champions lay motionless. Kripacharya swiftly drove his chariot to the fallen Shalya, lifted the unconscious king, and carried him to a place of safety. Bhimasena soon regained consciousness. Rising to his feet, he looked across the battlefield and roared aloud, calling upon Shalya to return, his blood-stained mace raised high in fearless challenge.
Unable to bear Bhima’s triumphant defiance, Duryodhana launched a furious assault upon the Pandava army, urging his warriors into renewed combat. The valiant Chekitana and the heroes guarding King Yudhishthira immediately met the advancing Kaurava forces, and the battlefield once again blazed with the fury of countless warriors.
Sanjaya concluded, “O Dhritarashtra, though your army had suffered grievously, its courage still blazed like the radiant midday sun. The warriors fought with unwavering resolve, determined to uphold the honour of the Kuru name even amidst the gathering shadow of destiny.”
