Shloka 12
भीष्मस्य जलप्रार्थना — अर्जुनस्य पर्जन्यास्त्रप्रयोगः — दुर्योधनं प्रति सन्ध्युपदेशः
Bhīṣma’s request for water; Arjuna’s Parjanya-astra; counsel to Duryodhana on reconciliation
अथान्यद् धनुरादाय गौतमो रथिनां वर:
athānyad dhanur ādāya gautamo rathināṃ varaḥ
Sañjaya said: Then Gautama, foremost among chariot-warriors, took up another bow—signaling a renewed resolve to continue the combat with fresh means and undiminished prowess.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness and preparedness: when one means is spent or set aside, a capable warrior adopts another without losing composure—an image of resilience and disciplined resolve in the midst of conflict.
Sañjaya reports that Gautama, praised as the best among chariot-fighters, takes up a different bow, indicating a tactical shift or continuation of battle with renewed equipment.