Shloka 21
Arjuna–Bhīṣma Strategic Engagement and Mutual Arrow-Interdiction (भीष्मार्जुनसमागमः)
लाघवं द्रोणशिष्याणामपश्यं भरतर्षभ । निमित्तवेधिनां चैव शरानुत्सृूजतां भूशम्,भरतश्रेष्ठ) उस समय मैंने द्रोणाचार्यके उन शिष्योंकी फुर्ती देखी। वे बड़ी तीव्र गतिसे बाण छोड़ते और लक्ष्यको बींध डालते थे
lāghavaṁ droṇaśiṣyāṇām apaśyaṁ bharatarṣabha | nimittavedhināṁ caiva śarān utsṛjatāṁ bhūśam ||
Sañjaya said: O bull among the Bharatas, I beheld the agility of Droṇa’s disciples. They were releasing arrows with great speed, and, being true marksmen, they were piercing their targets with precision—an impressive display of trained martial skill amid the unfolding war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the power of disciplined training and focused skill: mastery (nimitta-vedhin) is shown not merely by force but by precision and control. In the ethical backdrop of the Mahābhārata war, it also reminds the listener that prowess can serve either dharma or adharma depending on the cause and intent of those who wield it.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra what he is witnessing on the battlefield: Droṇa’s disciples are displaying remarkable agility and speed, shooting arrows rapidly and striking their targets accurately, indicating the formidable capability of that contingent in the ongoing combat.