Shloka 34
Śalya–Bhīma Gadāyuddham (मद्रराज-भीमसेन गदायुद्धम्)
त॑ं कृप: शरवर्षेण महता समवारयत् | विव्याध च रणे विप्रो धृष्टकेतुममर्षणम्,तब ब्राह्मण कृपाचार्यने भारी बाण-वर्षके द्वारा अमर्षशील धृष्टकेतुको युद्धमें आगे बढ़नेसे रोका और घायल कर दिया
taṁ kṛpaḥ śaravarṣeṇa mahatā samavārayat | vivyādha ca raṇe vipro dhṛṣṭaketum amarṣaṇam ||
Sañjaya said: Kṛpa checked him with a great shower of arrows. In the thick of battle, the Brahmin warrior pierced the fierce, unyielding Dhṛṣṭaketu as well—restraining his advance through disciplined martial skill rather than mere rage, showing how war turns on control and duty as much as on fury.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even amid violence, the epic highlights controlled action aligned with one’s role: Kṛpa’s restraint of an advancing foe through measured skill reflects the ideal of disciplined duty (dharma) rather than uncontrolled anger.
During the battle, Kṛpa confronts Dhṛṣṭaketu and stops his forward surge by unleashing a powerful volley of arrows, wounding him and preventing further advance.