Shloka 26
द्रोणपर्व — अध्याय १८: संशप्तकगणयुद्धे अर्जुनस्यास्त्रप्रयोगः
Drona Parva, Chapter 18: Arjuna’s astra-deployment against the Saṃśaptakas
ते वध्यमाना: पार्थेन शरै: संनतपर्वभि: । अमुहांस्तत्र तत्रैव त्रस्ता मृगगणा इव
te vadhyamānāḥ pārthena śaraiḥ saṃnataparvabhiḥ | amuhyāṃs tatra tatraiva trastā mṛgagaṇā iva ||
Sañjaya said: Struck by Pārtha’s arrows—shafts whose joints were well-set and firm—they reeled in bewilderment, scattering here and there across the battlefield like herds of deer startled by sudden danger.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the psychological truth of war: even trained fighters can be reduced to confusion and terror when faced with overwhelming, precise force. It implicitly contrasts disciplined skill (Arjuna’s well-made arrows and mastery) with the collapse of composure in those who lose steadiness of mind.
Sañjaya describes Arjuna (Pārtha) striking the opposing warriors with expertly crafted arrows. Under this assault they become bewildered and flee or scatter in many directions, compared to deer herds startled and stampeding in fear.