Shloka 19
नारायणास्त्र-शमनं द्रौणि-प्रहारश्च
Pacification of the Nārāyaṇāstra and Drauni’s Renewed Assault
निर्जित्य च रणे शत्रुं नकुल: शत्रुतापन: । अब्रवीत् सारथिं क्रुद्धों द्रोणानीकाय मां वह
nirjitya ca raṇe śatruṁ nakulaḥ śatrutāpanaḥ | abravīt sārathiṁ kruddho droṇānīkāya māṁ vaha ||
Sañjaya sprach: Nachdem Nakula — der die Feinde versengt — den Gegner in der Schlacht besiegt hatte, sprach er zornig zu seinem Wagenlenker: „Wagenlenker, bring mich zur Schlachtordnung Droṇas!“ Da stieß der von Kuntī geborene Fürst mit seinen Begleitern ein mächtiges Löwengebrüll aus, verkündete seinen Entschluss und forderte die gegnerische Macht heraus.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of decisive action after victory: once an opponent is subdued, the warrior’s resolve turns immediately toward the next strategic objective. It also shows how intense emotions like anger are present in war, yet are channeled into disciplined command and forward movement rather than hesitation.
After defeating enemies on the battlefield, Nakula, filled with battle-anger, orders his charioteer to drive him toward Droṇa’s forces. He and his followers then roar like lions, signaling challenge and momentum as they press deeper into the opposing army.