Shloka 52
प्रेषयामास नाराचान् रुक्मपुड्खान् शिलाशितान् । राजेन्द्र! उसके तीखे बाणोंसे रोके जाते हुए भीमसेन उसीकी ओर लौट पड़े! उस समय शकुनिने उनकी बायीं पसली और छातीमें सोनेके पंखवाले और शिलापर तेज किये हुए कई नाराच मारे || ५१ ई || वर्म भित्त्वा तु ते घोरा: पाण्डवस्य महात्मन:
preṣayāmāsa nārācān rukmapuḍkhān śilāśitān | rājendra! tasya tīkṣṇabāṇair rokyamāno 'pi bhīmasenaḥ tam evābhimukhaṃ nivavṛte | tadā śakunir asya vāmapārśve vakṣasi ca suvarṇapakṣān śilāśitān bahūn nārācān avāhayat ||
Sañjaya said: He sent forth nārāca arrows—gold-feathered and honed upon stone. O king, though checked by that warrior’s sharp shafts, Bhīmasena turned back toward him again. Then Śakuni struck Bhīma on the left side and on the chest with many nārācas, their wings of gold and their points keenly whetted on stone.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the battlefield narrative, the verse highlights steadfast resolve under injury: Bhīma continues to confront the foe even when restrained by sharp arrows. Ethically, it reflects the kṣatriya ideal of perseverance and courage, while also showing how warfare rewards technical precision and repeated, targeted strikes.
Sañjaya reports that a warrior releases heavy nārāca arrows with golden feathering and stone-sharpened tips. Despite being checked by the opponent’s arrows, Bhīma turns back to face him; Śakuni then hits Bhīma’s left side and chest with many such nārācas.