Shloka 55
भीमसेन-धृष्टद्युम्नयोर्वाक्यं
Bhīmasena and Dhṛṣṭadyumna’s Speeches on Kṣātra-Dharma
सीमन्तमिव कुर्वन्ती नभसो5ग्निसमप्रभाम् । अप्राप्तामेव तां शक्तिं त्रिधा चिच्छेद कौरव:
sīmantaṃ iva kurvantī nabhaso ’gnisamaprabhām | aprāptām eva tāṃ śaktiṃ tridhā ciccheda kauravaḥ ||
Sanjaya said: The blazing spear, radiant like fire and seeming to cleave the very sky as it flew, had not yet reached its mark when the Kaurava cut it into three pieces. Thus, in war’s fury, even the most fearsome weapons may be checked by vigilance, skill, and timely counterstroke—reminding that power without true aim and effective execution fails of its intended end.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the ethics of epic warfare, sheer force or terrifying weaponry is not decisive by itself; vigilance, skill, and timely response can neutralize even a seemingly unstoppable attack. The verse highlights the primacy of effective action (prayatna) and presence of mind over mere display of power.
A blazing śakti (spear) streaks through the air, appearing to split the sky with its fire-like brilliance. Before it can strike, a Kaurava warrior intercepts it and cuts it into three pieces, thwarting the attack mid-flight.