Shloka 186
Daiva–Puruṣakāra Discourse and the Elephant-Corps Engagement (भीमगजानीक-सम्भ्रान्ति)
शक्रदेव इति ख्यातो जघ्नतु: पाण्डवं शरै: । वे कलिंगोंकी सेनापर अपने तीखे बाणोंकी वर्षा करने लगे। महाधनुर्धर कलिंगराज और उसका महारथी पुत्र शक्रदेव दोनों मिलकर पाण्डुनन्दन भीमसेनपर बाणोंका प्रहार करने लगे
śakradeva iti khyāto jaghnatuḥ pāṇḍavaṃ śaraiḥ | kaliṅgānīkasenāyāṃ tīkṣṇaiḥ śaraiḥ pravavarṣatuḥ ||
Sañjaya said: The Kalinga king and his mighty chariot-warrior son—renowned by the name Śakradeva—together assailed the Pāṇḍava Bhīmasena, showering him with sharp arrows. In the press of battle, their concentrated attack displayed the ruthless coordination of war, where prowess and alliance are bent toward the single aim of overpowering a chosen foe.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the harsh reality of dharma-yuddha as narrated in the epic: warriors act with disciplined coordination and focused intent against formidable opponents. Ethically, it highlights how martial skill and alliance can be used decisively, while also reminding the listener that war magnifies both courage and cruelty.
Sañjaya reports that the Kalinga king and his son Śakradeva jointly target Bhīmasena, striking him with a concentrated shower of sharp arrows amid the wider clash involving the Kalinga forces.