Shloka 28
अध्याय ८८ — घटोत्कच-दुर्योधनयुद्धवर्णनम्
Ghaṭotkaca–Duryodhana Engagement
स चापि दृष्टवा समुदीर्यमाण- मस्त्रं युगान्ताग्निसमप्रकाशम् । न सम्मुमोह द्रुपदस्य पुत्रो राजन महेन्द्रप्रतिमप्रभाव:,राजन्! प्रलयकालकी अग्निके समान तेजस्वी उस अस्त्रको प्रकट हुआ देखकर देवराज इन्द्रके समान प्रभावशाली द्रपदकुमार शिखण्डी घबराया नहीं
sa cāpi dṛṣṭvā samudīryamāṇam astram yugāntāgnisamaprakāśam | na sammumoha drupadasya putro rājan mahendrapratimaprabhāvaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Seeing that weapon being unleashed—blazing like the fire at the end of an age—Drupada’s son, Śikhaṇḍin, whose might was comparable to Indra’s, did not lose his composure, O King. In the midst of terrifying violence, steadfastness and clarity of purpose are shown as a warrior’s ethical strength, not mere aggression.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights inner steadiness under extreme threat: true prowess includes not being mentally shaken by fearsome displays of power. In a dharmic war context, composure and resolve are portrayed as essential virtues alongside martial skill.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that a terrifying, blazing weapon is being unleashed. Despite its apocalyptic brilliance, Śikhaṇḍin (Drupada’s son) remains unbewildered and stands firm.