Shloka 6
अलायुधस्य योधांश्व राक्षसान् भीमदर्शनान् । वेगेनापतत: शूरान् प्रगृहीतशरासनान्,अलायुधके सैनिक राक्षस देखनेमें बड़े भयंकर और शूरवीर थे। वे हाथमें धनुष लेकर बड़े वेगसे आक्रमण करते थे। परंतु अस्त्र-शस्त्रोंसे सुसज्जित हो अत्यन्त क्रोधमें भरे हुए महारथी युयुधान, नकुल और सहदेवने उन सबको अपने पैने बाणोंसे काट डाला
sañjaya uvāca |
alāyudhasya yodhāṁś ca rākṣasān bhīmadarśanān |
vegenāpatataḥ śūrān pragṛhītaśarāsanān ||
Sañjaya said: “The warriors of Alāyudha—those rākṣasas of terrifying appearance—charged forward with great speed, heroic and fierce, their bows already raised and arrows ready. In the press of battle, such demonic might is met not by hesitation but by disciplined counter-force, as the Pāṇḍava champions strike down the onrushing assailants to protect their line and uphold their duty in war.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension of battlefield duty: when violent forces rush in, a kṣatriya’s dharma emphasizes steadiness, preparedness, and protection of one’s side. Courage is shown not as rage alone but as disciplined readiness (bows held prepared) in service of one’s obligation.
Sañjaya describes Alāyudha’s rākṣasa warriors—fearsome and heroic—charging swiftly with bows ready. It sets up the immediate clash in which these attackers are met and cut down by the opposing champions in the surrounding passage.