Shloka 776
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
उत्तरश्षापि तं वीर विव्याध निशितै: शरै: । आपके पुत्र वीरबाहुने विराटके पुत्र श्रेष्ठ रथी उत्तरके साथ युद्ध किया और उसे तीखे बाणोंद्वारा घायल कर दिया। उत्तरने भी वीरबाहुको अपने तीक्ष्ण सायकोंका लक्ष्य बनाकर बेध डाला
uttaraś cāpi taṃ vīraṃ vivyādha niśitaiḥ śaraiḥ |
Sañjaya said: Uttara too struck that hero with sharp arrows. In the clash of chariot-warriors, each sought to check the other’s advance by precise, piercing shafts—an image of the relentless reciprocity of battle, where valor is measured by restraint, aim, and steadfastness amid violence.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the martial ethic of the kṣatriya sphere: in war, courage and skill are tested through direct engagement, yet the narrative also hints at the grim symmetry of violence—injury answered by injury—inviting reflection on the cost of conflict even when performed as duty.
Sañjaya reports that Uttara, the prince of Virāṭa, strikes and wounds the opposing hero with sharp arrows, continuing a chariot-to-chariot exchange of missiles in the ongoing battle.