Shloka 11
Chapter 51: Saṃdhyākāla-saṃhāra
Evening Withdrawal after Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
पूर्णायतविसृष्टेन सम्यक् प्रणिहितेन च । ध्वजमेकेन विव्याध जाम्बूनदपरिष्कृतम्,तत्पश्चात् धनुषको अच्छी तरह खींचकर पूरे मनोयोगसे चलाये हुए एक बाणके द्वारा उनके सुवर्ण-भूषित ध्वजको भी छेद डाला
sañjaya uvāca | pūrṇāyatavisṛṣṭena samyak praṇihitena ca | dhvajam ekena vivyādha jāmbūnadapariṣkṛtam |
Sañjaya said: With a single arrow—drawn to the full, released, and aimed with perfect steadiness—he pierced the standard adorned with Jāmbūnada gold. The scene underscores the disciplined mastery of the warrior: power governed by control, and skill employed with deliberate intent amid the moral gravity of battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in warfare, effectiveness is portrayed as arising from disciplined control—full effort (pūrṇāyata) joined to precise attention (samyak praṇihita). The verse highlights mastery governed by focus rather than impulsive violence.
Sañjaya describes a warrior shooting a single, fully drawn and carefully aimed arrow that pierces an opponent’s banner decorated with fine Jāmbūnada gold—an emblematic strike demonstrating prowess and dominance on the battlefield.