Shloka 55
Chapter 51: Saṃdhyākāla-saṃhāra
Evening Withdrawal after Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
ते निकृत्तमहाचापास्त्वरमाणा महारथा: । रथशक्ती: परामृश्य विनेदुर्भरवान् रवान्,अपने विशाल धनुषोंके कट जानेपर उन सातों महारथियोंने बड़ी उतावलीके साथ रथ- शक्तियाँ उठा लीं और भयंकर गर्जना की
te nikṛttamahācāpās tvaramāṇā mahārathāḥ | rathaśaktīḥ parāmṛśya vinedur bharavān ravān |
قال سنجيا: فلما قُطعت أقواسهم العظيمة، أسرع أولئك الفرسان أصحاب المركبات، فتناولوا رماح المركبات وأطلقوا زئيرًا رهيبًا ثقيلًا.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of steadfastness: even when a primary weapon is lost, a warrior does not collapse into despair but adapts immediately, taking up another means to continue the duty of battle.
After their large bows are cut, the elite chariot-warriors quickly switch weapons, grabbing chariot-spears (śakti) and roaring loudly, indicating renewed aggression and readiness to strike.