Shloka 34
युधिष्ठिरस्य कृष्णार्जुनादि-समाश्वासनम्
Yudhiṣṭhira’s reassurance and praise of Kṛṣṇa, Arjuna, Bhīma, and Sātyaki
स द्रोणं पञ्चभिर्विद्ध्वा शरै: संनतपर्वभि: । ध्वजमेकेन विव्याध सारथिं चास्य सप्तभि:,उसने झुकी हुई गाँठवाले पाँच बाणोंद्वारा द्रोणाचार्यको घायल करके एकसे उनके ध्वजको और सात बाणोंसे उनके सारथिको भी बेध दिया
sa droṇaṃ pañcabhir viddhvā śaraiḥ saṃnataparvabhiḥ | dhvajam ekena vivyādha sārathiṃ cāsya saptabhiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Having pierced Droṇa with five arrows whose joints were bent, he then struck Droṇa’s banner with a single shaft and wounded his charioteer with seven.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how warfare turns even revered figures into targets and how strategic strikes extend beyond the main fighter to the chariot’s banner (a symbol of authority and morale) and the charioteer (mobility and control). It invites reflection on the tension between respect owed to elders/teachers and the uncompromising demands of kṣatriya warfare.
Sañjaya reports that a warrior shoots Droṇa with five arrows, then hits Droṇa’s chariot-banner with one arrow, and finally wounds Droṇa’s charioteer with seven arrows—an escalating tactical assault aimed at weakening Droṇa’s effectiveness in battle.