Shloka 36
भीष्म-युधिष्ठिर-संमर्दः
Bhīṣma’s Pressure on Yudhiṣṭhira; Śikhaṇḍī’s Approach; Evening Withdrawal
अश्वान् जाम्बूनदैर्जालै: प्रच्छन्नान् वातरंहस: । जघान षड्भिरासाद्य सारथिं चाभ्यपातयत्
sañjaya uvāca |
aśvān jāmbūnadair jālaiḥ pracchannān vātaraṃhasaḥ |
jaghāna ṣaḍbhir āsādya sārathiṃ cābhyapātayat ||
قال سانجيا: كانت الخيول سريعةً كالريح ومغطّاةً بشباك من ذهب جامبونادا؛ فحين دنا دورموخا طعنها بستة سهامٍ فأرداها، وأسقط السائس أيضاً عن العربة.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even extraordinary speed and outward magnificence (wind-swift horses, golden coverings) do not protect one in war; decisive outcomes often come from targeting the functional supports of power. The verse highlights the ethical tension of kṣatriya warfare: skill and strategy prevail, while beauty and prestige are shown to be fragile.
Sañjaya reports that Durmukha advances on an opponent’s chariot, shoots six arrows to kill the horses, and then knocks the charioteer down from the chariot—effectively disabling the chariot by removing its mobility and control.