Mahabharata — Bhishma Parva, Shloka 74
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
अनुविन्दस्तु गदया कुन्तिभोजमताडयत् | कुन्तिभोजश्न तं॑ तूर्ण शरब्रातैरवाकिरत्,अनुविन्दने कुन्तिभोजपर गदासे आघात किया। तब कुन्तिभोजने भी तुरंत ही अपने बाणसमूहोंद्वारा उसे आच्छादित कर दिया
anuvindas tu gadayā kuntibhojam atāḍayat | kuntibhojaś ca taṃ tūrṇaṃ śaravrātair avākirat ||
Sañjaya said: Anuvinda struck Kuntibhoja with his mace. Kuntibhoja, however, swiftly answered by showering him with volleys of arrows, covering him on all sides.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya conduct in war: courage and readiness, coupled with a prompt yet measured response within the accepted norms of combat—skillful retaliation rather than uncontrolled violence.
Anuvinda attacks Kuntibhoja with a mace; Kuntibhoja immediately counters by covering Anuvinda with volleys of arrows, depicting a rapid exchange of weapons in the battle.