Shloka 21
तां तु सेनां भुशं विद्ध्वा द्रावयित्वार्जुन: शरै: । प्रायादभिमुख: पार्थ: सूतानीकं हि मारिष
tāṃ tu senāṃ bhṛśaṃ viddhvā drāvayitvārjunaḥ śaraiḥ | prāyād abhimukhaḥ pārthaḥ sūtānīkaṃ hi māriṣa ||
Sanjaya said: Having struck that army fiercely and routed it with his arrows, Arjuna—the son of Kunti, called Partha—then advanced straight toward the chariot-warriors’ division, O venerable one. The verse underscores the relentless momentum of battle: after breaking resistance, the warrior presses forward toward the enemy’s core, where command and resolve are concentrated.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a kshatriya’s battlefield ethic: after decisively breaking an opposing formation, one must not lapse into hesitation but advance toward the enemy’s key fighting units. It reflects resolve, strategic clarity, and the duty to pursue a just military objective once engagement has begun.
Sanjaya reports that Arjuna has severely wounded and scattered a hostile army with his arrows. After routing them, Arjuna moves directly toward the sūtānīka—an important chariot-based division—indicating a push toward the enemy’s stronger or more central contingent.