Shloka 253
Nakula–Śakuni Duel and the Night Battle; Śikhaṇḍin–Kṛpa Engagement (नकुल-शकुनियुद्धं तथा रात्रियुद्धवर्णनम्)
उत्तमाभिजनीौ वीरौ कुरुवृष्णियशस्करौ । वे दोनों वीर उत्तम कुलमें उत्पन्न हुए थे। एक कुरुकुलकी कीर्तिका विस्तार कर रहा था तो दूसरा वृष्णिवंशका यश बढ़ा रहा था। उन दोनोंने एक-दूसरेपर पृथक्-पृथक् अस्त्र- शस्त्रोंकी वर्षा की
uttamābhijanī vīrau kuruvṛṣṇiyaśaskarau |
Sañjaya said: Those two heroes were born of the noblest lineage—one enhancing the fame of the Kuru house, the other increasing the renown of the Vṛṣṇi clan. They showered upon each other, separately and in turn, volleys of diverse weapons and missiles.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of safeguarding one’s lineage-honor and reputation (yaśas) through valor, while also hinting at the ethical tension of war: glory is pursued through violence, and fame becomes a motivating force within dharma-bound conflict.
Sañjaya describes two eminent warriors—one representing Kuru prestige and the other Vṛṣṇi renown—engaging in a fierce duel, hurling varied weapons and missiles at one another in alternating volleys.