Shloka 88
ततः शरैर्भीमतरैरविध्यत् त्रिभिराहवे | हस्ते कृष्णं तथा पार्थमभ्यविध्यच्च सप्तभि:,तदनन्तर उसने तीन भयानक बाणोंद्वारा युद्धस्थलमें श्रीकृष्णके हाथमें चोट पहुँचायी और अर्जुनको भी सात बाणोंसे बींध डाला
tataḥ śaraiḥ bhīmataraḥ avidhyat tribhir āhave | haste kṛṣṇaṃ tathā pārtham abhyavidhyac ca saptabhiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Then, in the thick of battle, he struck with three exceedingly fearsome arrows; he also wounded Kṛṣṇa in the hand, and pierced Pārtha (Arjuna) with seven arrows—an image of relentless martial force directed even against the charioteer and the foremost archer.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the harsh reality of dharma-yuddha: even revered figures like Kṛṣṇa (as charioteer) and the foremost warrior Arjuna are not beyond injury. It highlights endurance, composure, and steadfastness amid violence, while reminding that prowess in war must still be situated within the larger ethical frame of duty and purpose.
Sañjaya reports a moment of intense fighting where an unnamed combatant (from context, a leading warrior on the opposing side) shoots three dreadful arrows and wounds Kṛṣṇa in the hand, then strikes Arjuna with seven arrows, emphasizing the pressure placed on Kṛṣṇa–Arjuna’s chariot team.