Shloka 28
विकर्णस्य ततो भल््लान् प्रेषयामास भारत । चतुर्दश रथश्रेष्ठो घोरानाशीविषोपमान्,भारत! तदनन्तर रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ पराक्रमी अभिमन्युने विकर्णके ऊपर सर्पके समान आकारवाले चौदह भयंकर भल्ल चलाये और उनके द्वारा विकर्णके रथसे ध्वज, सारथि और घोड़ोंकोी मार गिराया। उस समय वह युद्धमें नृत्य-यसा कर रहा था
sañjaya uvāca | vikārṇasya tato bhallān preṣayāmāsa bhārata | caturdaśa rathaśreṣṭho ghorān āśīviṣopamān |
Sanjaya said: Then, O Bharata, the foremost of chariot-warriors sent forth fourteen dreadful bhalla-arrows against Vikarna, like venomous serpents. With those shafts he struck down the banner, the charioteer, and the horses of Vikarna’s chariot; and at that moment he moved in battle as though dancing—displaying fearless mastery amid the grim work of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma as disciplined courage and skill under extreme danger, while also underscoring the grave moral weight of war: prowess can be dazzling (‘as if dancing’), yet it is exercised through lethal acts that bring swift consequences to men and animals alike.
Abhimanyu, described as a foremost chariot-warrior, shoots fourteen terrifying bhalla-arrows at Vikarna. The attack disables Vikarna’s chariot by bringing down its banner, charioteer, and horses, while Abhimanyu maneuvers with striking agility in the midst of combat.