Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 4
Book 9 (Śalya-parva), Adhyāya 13 — Arjuna’s Arrow-storm and the Drauṇi Confrontation
भीमसेनो रणे शल्यं शल्यभूतं पराक्रमे । एकेन विद्ध्वा बाणेन पुनर्विव्याध सप्तभि:,भीमसेनने रणभूमिमें अपने पराक्रमके लिये कण्टकरूप शल्यको पहले एक बाणसे घायल करके फिर सात बाणोंसे बींध डाला
bhīmaseno raṇe śalyaṃ śalyabhūtaṃ parākrame | ekena viddhvā bāṇena punar vivyādha saptabhiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: In the thick of battle, Bhīmasena struck Śalya—who had become a thorn to his prowess—with a single arrow, and then pierced him again with seven more.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness and decisive action in the face of a powerful impediment. In the ethical frame of epic warfare, a kṣatriya is expected to meet threats directly with skill and courage, even when the opponent is formidable.
Sañjaya reports that Bhīma, in battle, first wounds Śalya with a single arrow and then strikes him again with seven more, portraying an intense exchange where Bhīma seeks to check Śalya’s effectiveness on the field.
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