Shloka 13
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 29 — Arjuna’s defeat of Vṛṣaka–Acalā and the neutralization of Śakuni’s māyā
व्यसृजत् तोमरान् मूर्श्नि श्वेताश्वस्पोन्ननाद च । तैरर्जुनस्थ समरे किरीटं परिवर्तितम्,उन्होंने श्वेतवाहन अर्जुनके मस्तकपर तोमरोंका प्रहार किया और जोरसे गर्जना की। उन तोमरोंने समरभूमिमें अर्जुनके किरीटको उलट दिया
vyasṛjat tomarān mūrdhni śvetāśvaspo 'nnanāda ca | tair arjunasya samare kirīṭaṃ parivartitam ||
Sañjaya said: He hurled spears at Arjuna’s head and roared loudly. Struck by those spears in the thick of battle, Arjuna’s crown was knocked askew.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the harsh reality of righteous warfare (kṣatriya-dharma): honor and status symbols (like a crown) can be physically shaken in battle, yet a warrior’s duty is measured by steadiness and resolve rather than outward insignia.
In Sañjaya’s report of the battle, spears are hurled at Arjuna’s head amid loud battle-cries; the impact dislodges or twists Arjuna’s crown/diadem on the battlefield.