Shloka 38
Bhūriśravas–Sātyaki Saṃvāda and Duel; Arjuna’s Intervention (भूरिश्रवाः–सात्यकि संवादः, युद्धम्, अर्जुन-हस्तक्षेपः)
सात्यकिं छिन्नथन्वानं प्रहसन्निव भारत
sātyakiṃ chinnathanvānaṃ prahasann iva bhārata
Sañjaya said: O Bhārata, Sātyaki—his bow cut—appeared as though he were laughing, meeting the crisis with fearless composure amid the violence of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadiness under adversity: even when disarmed (his bow cut), Sātyaki maintains fearless poise. In the epic’s ethical frame, such composure reflects the kṣatriya ideal of meeting danger without panic or loss of resolve.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Sātyaki’s bow has been cut, yet Sātyaki appears as if laughing—suggesting confidence and undiminished fighting spirit despite a sudden setback in battle.