Sauptika Parva, Adhyaya 8 — Dhṛṣṭadyumna-vadha and the Camp’s Nocturnal Rout
अवरुह्य रथोपस्थात् त्वरमाणो<भिदुद्रुवे । सहस्रचन्द्रविमलं गृहीत्वा चर्म संयुगे
avaruhya rathopasthāt tvaramāṇo 'bhidudruve | sahasracandravimalaṃ gṛhītvā carma saṃyuge ||
সঞ্জয়ে ক’লে: সি ৰথৰ আসনৰ পৰা জঁপিয়াই নামি তৎক্ষণাৎ দৌৰি আগবাঢ়িল; আৰু ৰণৰ ঘন কোলাহলৰ মাজত সহস্ৰ চন্দ্ৰৰ দৰে উজ্জ্বল, নিৰ্মল এখন ঢাল ধৰি ল’লে।
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the urgency and pragmatism of combat: one must act swiftly and secure protection. In the Sauptika context, this efficiency is ethically charged—martial skill is shown, yet it unfolds within a morally troubling episode of night-time killing.
A warrior quickly dismounts from the chariot and rushes forward, taking up a brilliantly shining shield in the midst of battle, signaling immediate engagement and readiness for close combat.