Shloka 49
भीष्मधनंजयद्वैरथम्
Bhīṣma–Dhanaṃjaya Duel and the Opening Clash
भीष्मोडपि समरे पार्थ विव्याध निशितै: शरै: । अर्जुनने पचीस तीखे बाणोंसे मारकर भीष्मको पीड़ित कर दिया। फिर भीष्मने भी समरभूमिमें अपने तीक्ष्ण सायकोंद्वारा अर्जुनको बींध दिया || ४८ इ ।।
bhīṣmo 'pi samare pārtha vivyādha niśitaiḥ śaraiḥ | anyonyasya hayān viddhvā dhvajī ca sumahābalau ||
Sañjaya said: Even Bhīṣma, in the thick of battle, pierced Arjuna with sharp arrows. Having struck down each other’s horses, the two mighty warriors—each bearing his banner—continued the fight, displaying unwavering resolve and the stern reciprocity of kṣatriya warfare.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the stern ethic of kṣatriya-dharma: steadfastness under injury, mutual respect expressed through equal combat, and the acceptance that duty in war involves reciprocal harm without personal malice.
Sañjaya describes an intense exchange where Bhīṣma pierces Arjuna with sharp arrows; the two champions also strike each other’s horses, and—still bannered and powerful—continue their duel on the battlefield.