Shloka 44
Droṇasya raudra-prayogaḥ
Droṇa’s intensified assault and the Pāṇḍava response
वेगेनाभ्यद्रवत् सेनां किरज्छरशतै: शितै: । महाधनुर्धर महातेजस्वी द्रोणाचार्यने पाण्डवोंकी विशाल सेनापर सैकड़ों पैने बाणोंकी वर्षा करते हुए बड़े वेगसे आक्रमण किया ।। ४३ $ ।। द्रोणमभ्युद्यतं दृष्टवा पाण्डवा: सह सृञ्जयै:
sañjaya uvāca |
vegenābhyadravat senāṃ kirac charaśataiḥ śitaiḥ |
mahādhanuḥdharo mahātejasvī droṇācāryaḥ pāṇḍavānāṃ viśālāṃ senām prati śaravarṣaṃ kṛtvā vegenaivābhyapatat |
droṇam abhyudyataṃ dṛṣṭvā pāṇḍavāḥ saha sṛñjayaiḥ |
Sañjaya said: With great speed he rushed upon the army, scattering volleys of sharp arrows by the hundreds. The mighty archer, radiant with power—Droṇa—advanced fiercely against the vast host of the Pāṇḍavas, pouring down a rain of shafts. Seeing Droṇa thus rising to attack, the Pāṇḍavas, together with the Sṛñjayas, prepared to meet him.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical strain of dharma in war: extraordinary martial power, when aligned with one’s chosen allegiance and duty, can become terrifying even when wielded by a revered teacher. It invites reflection on how obligation, loyalty, and righteousness can diverge in a civil conflict.
Sanjaya describes Drona charging the Pandava forces at high speed, releasing hundreds of sharp arrows like a rainstorm. The Pandavas, joined by the Sṛñjayas, see him advancing and ready themselves to respond to his assault.