Shloka 2
विराटसभायां पाण्डवानां प्रवेशः — Arjuna’s Encomium of Yudhiṣṭhira in Virāṭa’s Court
स भीमधन्वानमुदग्रवीर्य धनंजयं शत्रुगणे चरन्तम् । आकर्णपूर्णायतचोदितेन विव्याध भल्लेन ललाटमध्ये
sa bhīmadhanvānam udagravīryaṁ dhanañjayaṁ śatrugaṇe carantam | ākārṇapūrṇāyatacoditena vivyādha bhallena lalāṭamadhye ||
Da traf Duryodhana Dhanañjaya (Arjuna)—den hochgewaltigen Helden mit dem furchtbaren Bogen, der durch die feindlichen Reihen zog—mit einem Bhalla-Pfeil, aus einem bis ans Ohr gespannten Bogen geschossen, mitten in die Stirn.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh reality of warfare: prowess does not eliminate vulnerability. It also reflects the ethical tension of kṣatriya duty—skill and courage are exercised decisively, yet the conflict is driven by rivalry and adharma-laden ambition, reminding readers that martial excellence is morally neutral unless guided by righteous purpose.
Arjuna is moving through the enemy forces in battle. Duryodhana draws his bow fully to the ear and releases a bhalla arrow, which strikes Arjuna in the middle of the forehead, causing a deep wound.