Shloka 38
Nakula–Śakuni Duel and the Night Battle; Śikhaṇḍin–Kṛpa Engagement (नकुल-शकुनियुद्धं तथा रात्रियुद्धवर्णनम्)
दर्शयन्तायुभौ शिक्षां लाघवं सौष्ठवं तथा । रणे रणकृतां श्रेष्ठावन्योन्यं पर्यकर्षताम्,दोनों ही वीर एक-दूसरेके छिद्र (प्रहार करनेके अवसर) पानेकी इच्छा रखते हुए विचित्र रीतिसे उछलते-कूदते थे। दोनों ही अपनी शिक्षा, फुर्ती तथा युद्ध-कौशल दिखाते हुए रणभूमिमें एक-दूसरेको खींच रहे थे। वे दोनों ही योद्धाओंमें श्रेष्ठ थे
darśayantāv ubhau śikṣāṃ lāghavaṃ sauṣṭhavaṃ tathā | raṇe raṇakṛtāṃ śreṣṭhāv anyonyaṃ paryakarṣatām ||
Both warriors, eager to find an opening in the other, sprang and wheeled in varied ways. Displaying their training, agility, and refined skill, those two—foremost among men of battle—strove to draw and press one another on the field, each seeking advantage without yielding ground.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of disciplined excellence: true prowess is not mere violence but trained skill, controlled agility, and strategic awareness—seeking openings while maintaining composure and mastery.
Sañjaya describes two elite fighters in close contest. They leap, feint, and maneuver to expose a weakness in the other, showcasing their training and battlefield finesse as each tries to gain positional advantage.