Mahabharata — Anushasana Parva, Shloka 286
पीडितो नातियत्नेन स हतो5द्य शिखण्डिना । “जिस महामना वीरने जमदग्निनन्दन परशुरामको कुरक्षेत्रके युद्धमोें अनायास ही पीड़ित कर दिया था, वही शिखण्डीके हाथसे मारा गया, यह कितने दुःखकी बात है!
pīḍito nātiyatnena sa hato 'dya śikhaṇḍinā |
Vaiśampāyana said: “He who once, with scarcely any exertion, afflicted the great-souled hero Paraśurāma, the son of Jamadagni, has today been slain by Śikhaṇḍin. Alas—how grievous and sorrowful this is.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the tragic reversals of war and destiny: even one who once overcame a mighty warrior with ease can later fall to another. It invites reflection on impermanence of prowess, the workings of karma, and the sorrow that accompanies violent outcomes.
Vaiśampāyana comments sorrowfully that the same person who had earlier troubled Paraśurāma with little effort has now been killed by Śikhaṇḍin, marking a poignant turn in the unfolding account.