Shloka 36
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
तस्य वै दक्षिणं वीरो निर्बिभेद रणे भुजम् | सौमदत्तिस्तथा शड्खं जत्रुदेशे समाहनत्,वीर शंखने रणभूमिमें भूरिश्रवाकी दाहिनी भुजा विदीर्ण कर डाली; फिर भूरिश्रवाने भी शंखके गलेकी हँसलीपर बाण मारा
tasya vai dakṣiṇaṁ vīro nirbibheda raṇe bhujam | saumadattis tathā śaṅkhaṁ jatrudeśe samāhanat |
Sañjaya said: In the thick of battle, the valiant warrior pierced and split his foe’s right arm. Then Saumadatti (Bhūriśravas) struck Śaṅkha at the collarbone. The verse lays bare the grim precision of martial skill and the relentless escalation of violence that war unleashes, where valor is proved by wounds rather than restraint.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh reality of kṣatriya warfare: valor is demonstrated through decisive action and technical precision, yet the ethical tension remains—heroism in war often manifests as injury and destruction, reminding readers of the moral cost of conflict.
Sañjaya describes a close combat exchange: one warrior pierces and rends the other’s right arm; then Bhūriśravas (Saumadatti) retaliates by striking the warrior named Śaṅkha at the collarbone/shoulder-joint area.