Shloka 17
Śalya’s Objection to Sārathya and Duryodhana’s Conciliation (शल्यमन्यु-प्रशमनम् / Sārathyāṅgīkāra)
तत्रस्थैरथ तैर्बाणैर्माद्रीपुत्रो व्यरोचत । स्वरश्मिभिरिवादित्यो भुवने विसृजन् प्रभाम्,वहाँ धँँसे हुए उन बाणोंसे माद्रीकुमार नकुल उसी प्रकार सुशोभित हुए, जैसे सम्पूर्ण जगतमें प्रभा बिखेरनेवाले भगवान् सूर्य अपनी किरणोंसे प्रकाशित होते हैं
tatra-sthair atha tair bāṇair mādrī-putro vyarocata | sva-raśmibhir ivādityo bhuvane visṛjan prabhām ||
Sañjaya said: There, with those arrows lodged in his body, Mādrī’s son Nakula shone forth—like the Sun scattering radiance across the world, lit by his own rays. Though wounded, he kept his dignity and splendor.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣātra-dharma and inner steadiness: a warrior’s worth is shown not only in striking but in enduring wounds without losing composure, radiating courage and dignity even amid suffering.
During the battle, Nakula is pierced by arrows that remain lodged in him; yet he appears resplendent. Sañjaya describes this with a simile: like the Sun shining by its own rays while spreading light over the world.