Shloka 796
गौरुडव्यूह-रचना तथा अर्धचन्द्र-प्रत्यव्यूह
Garuḍa Array and the Ardhacandra Counter-Formation
स्वरथे धनुरुत्सृज्य शक्ति जग्राह काज्चनीम् | उस समरभूमिमें भीष्मजीके धनुषसे छूटे हुए बाणोंद्वारा पीड़ित होनेपर श्वेतने धनुषको रथपर ही छोड़कर सुवर्णमयी शक्ति हाथमें ले ली
sañjaya uvāca | sva-rathe dhanur utsṛjya śaktiṁ jagrāha kāñcanīm |
Sañjaya said: Tormented on the battlefield by the arrows released from Bhīṣma’s bow, Śveta left his bow upon the chariot and seized a golden śakti-spear.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the battlefield setting, the verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma as steadfastness under pressure and the need for timely, effective action. Ethical resolve is paired with practical discernment: when one method fails under intense assault, a warrior must adapt without abandoning duty.
Bhīṣma’s arrows severely afflict Śveta. In response, Śveta sets aside his bow on the chariot and takes up a golden spear (śakti), preparing to counterattack with a different weapon.