Shloka 703
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 94: Sātyaki–Sudarśana Yuddha (सात्यकि–सुदर्शन युद्ध)
बिभेद हृदि बाणेन पृथुधारेण पाण्डव: । फिर दूसरे बहुत-से बाणोंद्वारा उसके रथको टूक-टूक कर दिया और काम्बोजराज सुदक्षिणके संकल्प एवं पराक्रमको व्यर्थ करके पाण्डुपुत्र अर्जुनने मोटी धारवाले बाणसे उसकी छाती छेद डाली
sañjaya uvāca | bibheda hṛdi bāṇena pṛthudhāreṇa pāṇḍavaḥ |
قال سانجيا: «إنّ الباندافي (أرجونا) طعنه في صدره بسهمٍ عريضِ الحدّ. ثم أمطره بسهامٍ كثيرة أخرى فحطّم عربته قطعًا، وجعل عزمَ سودكشينا، ملكَ كامبوجا، وبأسَه هباءً—مُبيّنًا أنّ منطق الحرب القاسي يضع لِعزم الفرد حدًّا حين يلقى مهارةً وقوةً أرجح.»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring Mahabharata ethic: in war, resolve and bravery (saṅkalpa, parākrama) are meaningful but not sufficient; outcomes depend on skill, strategy, and circumstance. It also reflects the harsh demands of kṣatriya-dharma, where decisive action can nullify even a worthy opponent’s intent.
Sanjaya describes Arjuna’s attack on Sudakshina of Kamboja: Arjuna first breaks apart his chariot with many arrows and then pierces him in the chest with a broad-edged shaft, thereby thwarting Sudakshina’s plans and prowess in the battle.