Shloka 52
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 ||
Sañjaya sprach: Vom Standplatz des Wagens sprang er herab und stürmte eilends voran; und mitten im Kampf ergriff er einen makellosen Schild, hell wie tausend Monde.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
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.