Shloka 51
सा छिन्ना बहुधा राजन् द्रोणचापच्युतैः शरै: । चूर्णीकृता विशीर्यन्ती पपात वसुधातले
sā chinnā bahudhā rājan droṇacāpacyutaiḥ śaraiḥ | cūrṇīkṛtā viśīryantī papāta vasudhātale ||
Sañjaya said: O King, that mace, cut into many pieces by arrows released from Droṇa’s bow, was shattered to powder; breaking apart and scattering, it fell upon the surface of the earth. The scene underscores the relentless efficiency of martial skill in war, where even a formidable weapon is rendered useless, reminding the listener of the fragility of power and the swift reversals that violence brings.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the mightiest instruments of force can be swiftly destroyed; the verse highlights the instability of worldly power in war and invites reflection on the costs and reversals inherent in violence, despite adherence to martial duty.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that a mace (gadā) has been struck by numerous arrows shot from Droṇa’s bow, cut into pieces, pulverized, and scattered as it falls to the ground.