Shloka 43
Droṇa Encircled at Night: Coalition Advance and Battlefield Omens (द्रोणपर्यावरणं रात्रियुद्धवर्णनम्)
ललाटे5ताडयच्चैनं नाराचेन स्मयन्निव । ऊर्ध्वरश्मिरिवादित्यो विबभौ तेन पाण्डव:,द्रोणने मुसकराते हुए-से नाराच चलाकर भीमसेनके ललाटमें चोट पहुँचायी। उस नाराचसे पाण्डुपुत्र भीमसेन ऊपर उठी किरणोंवाले सूर्यके समान सुशोभित होने लगे
lalāṭe tāḍayac cainaṃ nārācena smayann iva | ūrdhvaraśmir ivādityo vibabhau tena pāṇḍavaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Smiling as though in derision, he struck him on the forehead with a nārāca arrow. Wounded by that shaft, the Pāṇḍava (Bhīmasena) shone forth like the sun with its rays rising upward.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma: even when wounded, a warrior should remain steady and fearless. True heroism is shown not merely in striking, but in enduring injury without losing resolve or righteousness in one’s duty.
In the midst of battle, an opponent shoots a nārāca and hits Bhīma on the forehead, seemingly with a mocking smile. Rather than being diminished, Bhīma appears even more radiant—compared to the sun—signaling heightened courage and fighting spirit.