Shloka 32
अथास्य तूर्ण चरतो नरेन्द्र खड्गेन चित्र नकुलस्य तस्य । महेषुभिव््यधमत् कर्णपूुत्रो महाहवे चर्म सहस्रतारम्
athāsya tūrṇa-carato narendra khaḍgena citraṃ nakulasya tasya | maheṣubhir vyadhamat karṇaputro mahāhave carma sahasra-tāram ||
Sañjaya said: O king, as Nakula moved swiftly, displaying wondrous sword-play, Karṇa’s son, in that great battle, shattered with his mighty arrows Nakula’s shield marked with a thousand studs. The scene underscores how martial skill and daring maneuvers meet the relentless counterforce of superior missile-weaponry, where prowess is tested without pause amid the harsh ethics of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the battlefield reality that individual brilliance (swift movement and intricate sword technique) must still contend with overwhelming force and tactical advantage (mighty arrows). Ethically, it reflects kṣatriya-dharma: valor and skill are exercised within the grim duty of combat, where outcomes can turn on weapon-range and power rather than artistry alone.
Nakula advances rapidly, exhibiting striking sword maneuvers. Karṇa’s son responds by firing powerful arrows that break Nakula’s ornate, ‘thousand-studded’ shield during the intense engagement.