Adhyaya 10

Verse 1

अपन बक। ] अतिफ्ऑशाड< दशमो< ध्याय: नकुलद्वारा कर्णके तीन पुत्रोंका वध तथा उभयपक्षकी सेनाओंका भयानक युद्ध संजय उवाच तत्‌ प्रभग्नं बल॑ दृष्टवा मद्रराज: प्रतापवान्‌ । उवाच सारथिं तूर्ण चोदयाश्वान्‌ महाजवान्‌

Sañjaya said: Seeing that force thrown into disarray, the valiant king of Madra, famed for his prowess, addressed his charioteer at once: “Urge on the swift, high-speed horses.”

Verse 2

संजय कहते हैं--राजन्‌! उस सेनाको इस तरह भागती देख प्रतापी मद्रराज शल्यने अपने सारथिसे कहा--'सूत! मेरे महावेगशाली घोड़ोंको शीघ्रतापूर्वक आगे बढ़ाओ ।। एष तिष्ठति वै राजा पाण्दुपुत्रो युधिष्ठिर: । छत्रेण प्रियमाणेन पाण्डुरेण विराजता,“देखो, ये सामने मस्तकपर शोभाशाली श्वेत छत्र लगाये हुए पाण्डुपुत्र राजा युधिष्ठिर खड़े हैं

Sañjaya said: “O King, seeing that army fleeing in this manner, the valiant king of Madra, Shalya, spoke to his charioteer: ‘Charioteer, drive my swift, powerful horses forward at once. Look—there stands King Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, shining with a lovely white parasol held above his head.’”

Verse 3

अत्र मां प्रापय क्षिप्रं पश्य मे सारथे बलम्‌ | न समर्थों हि मे पार्थ: स्थातुमद्य पुरो युधि,'सारथे! मुझे शीघ्र उनके पास पहुँचा दो। फिर मेरा बल देखो। आज युद्धमें कुन्तीकुमार युधिष्ठिर मेरे सामने कदापि नहीं ठहर सकते”

“Bring me there quickly, charioteer. Then behold my strength. Today, in battle, that son of Pṛthā (Yudhiṣṭhira) is not capable of standing before me.”

Verse 4

एवमुक्तस्तत: प्रायान्मद्रराजस्य सारथि: । यत्र राजा सत्यसंधो धर्मपुत्रो युधिष्ठिर:,उनके ऐसा कहनेपर मद्रराजका सारथि वहीं जा पहुँचा, जहाँ सत्यप्रतिज्ञ धर्मपुत्र युधिष्ठिर खड़े थे

Sañjaya said: Thus addressed, the charioteer of the king of Madra set out at once and reached the place where King Yudhiṣṭhira—the son of Dharma, steadfast in truth and faithful to his vow—was standing.

Verse 5

प्रापतत्‌ तच्च सहसा पाण्डवानां महद्‌ बलम्‌ | दधारैको रणे शल्यो वेलोद्वृत्तमिवार्णवम्‌,साथ ही पाण्डवोंकी वह विशाल सेना भी सहसा वहाँ आ पहुँची। परंतु जैसे तट उमड़ते हुए समुद्रको रोक देता है, उसी प्रकार अकेले राजा शल्यने रणभूमिमें उस सेनाको आगे बढ़नेसे रोक दिया

At the same time, the Pāṇḍavas’ vast army also arrived there all at once. Yet, as a shore holds back a surging sea, so did King Śalya, alone, check that host from advancing on the battlefield.

Verse 6

पाण्डवानां बलौघस्तु शल्यमासाद्य मारिष | व्यतिष्ठत तदा युद्धे सिन्धोर्वेग इवाचलम्‌,माननीय नरेश! जैसे किसी नदीका वेग किसी पर्वतके पास पहुँचकर अवरुद्ध हो जाता है, उसी प्रकार पाण्डवोंकी सेनाका वह समुदाय युद्धमें राजा शल्यके पास पहुँचकर खड़ा हो गया

Sañjaya said: “O noble one, when the massed host of the Pāṇḍavas reached King Śalya, it halted there in the battle—like the rushing force of a river that, on meeting a mountain, is checked and made to stand.”

Verse 7

मद्रराजं तु समरे दृष्टवा युद्धाय धिष्ठितम्‌ । कुरव: संन्यवर्तन्त मृत्युं कृत्वा निवर्तनम्‌,समरांगणमें मद्रराज शल्यको युद्धके लिये डटा हुआ देख कौरव-सैनिक मृत्युको ही युद्धसे निवृत्तिकी सीमा नियत करके पुनः रणभूमिमें लौट आये

But when the Kurus saw the king of Madra, Śalya, standing firm in the battle, ready to fight, they turned back again—having made death itself the limit of their withdrawal—and returned to the field.

Verse 8

तेषु राजन्‌ निवृत्तेषु व्यूढानीकेषु भागश: । प्रावर्तत महारौद्र: संग्राम: शोणितोदक:,राजन! पृथक्‌-पृथक्‌ सेनाओंकी व्यूह-रचना करके जब वे सभी सैनिक लौट आये, तब दोनों दलोंमें महाभयंकर संग्राम छिड़ गया, जहाँ पानीकी तरह खून बहाया जा रहा था

Sañjaya said: O King, when those troops had returned after being arrayed in divisions with their battle-formations set, a most dreadful combat broke out between the two armies—one in which blood flowed as if it were water.

Verse 9

इस प्रकार श्रीमह्याभारत शल्यपर्वमें संकुलयुद्धविषयक नवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ,समार्च्छच्चित्रसेनं तु नकुलो युद्धदुर्मद: । तौ परस्परमासाद्य चित्रकार्मुकधारिणौ इसी समय रणदुर्मद नकुलने कर्णपुत्र चित्रसेनपर आक्रमण किया। विचित्र धनुष धारण करनेवाले वे दोनों वीर एक-दूसरेसे भिड़कर दक्षिण तथा उत्तरकी ओरसे आये हुए दो बड़े जलवर्षक मेघोंके समान परस्पर बाणरूपी जलकी बौछार करने लगे

Sañjaya said: At that very moment Nakula, intoxicated with the ardor of battle, charged at Citrasena, the son of Karṇa. Meeting head-on, those two heroes—bearers of wondrous bows—began to shower one another with volleys of arrows, like two great rain-bearing clouds arriving from the southern and northern quarters.

Verse 10

मेघाविव यथोद्वृत्तौ दक्षिणोत्तरवर्षिणौ । शरतोयै: सिषिचतुस्तौ परस्परमाहवे,इसी समय रणदुर्मद नकुलने कर्णपुत्र चित्रसेनपर आक्रमण किया। विचित्र धनुष धारण करनेवाले वे दोनों वीर एक-दूसरेसे भिड़कर दक्षिण तथा उत्तरकी ओरसे आये हुए दो बड़े जलवर्षक मेघोंके समान परस्पर बाणरूपी जलकी बौछार करने लगे इति श्रीमहा भारते शल्यपर्वणि संकुलयुद्धे दशमो5ध्याय:

Sañjaya said: Like two towering rain-clouds risen high—one pouring from the south and the other from the north—the two warriors drenched one another in battle, showering streams of arrow-water upon each other.

Verse 11

नान्तरं तत्र पश्यामि पाण्डवस्येतरस्य च । उभौ कृतास्त्रौ बलिनौ रथचर्याविशारदौ

Sañjaya said: “In that encounter I see no real difference between the Pāṇḍava and his opponent. Both are masters of weaponry, both are mighty, and both are highly skilled in the art of chariot-fighting.”

Verse 12

चित्रसेनस्तु भललेन पीतेन निशितेन च

Sañjaya said: Then Citrasena was struck with a broad-headed arrow—yellow-hued and razor-sharp.

Verse 13

अथीैनं छिन्नधन्वानं रुक्मपुड्खै: शिलाशितै:

Sañjaya said: Then, when he had been deprived of his bow, they struck him with arrows whose shafts were tipped with gold and whose heads were stone-sharpened.

Verse 14

त्रिभि: शरैरसम्भ्रान्तो ललाटे वै समार्पयत्‌ । धनुष कट जानेपर उनके ललाटमें शिलापर तेज किये हुए सुनहरे पंखवाले तीन बाणोंद्वारा गहरी चोट पहुँचायी। उस समय चित्रसेनके चित्तमें तनिक भी घबराहट नहीं हुई ।। हयांश्वास्य शरैस्तीक्ष्णै: प्रेषयामास मृत्यवे

Sañjaya said: Unflustered, he planted three arrows upon his opponent’s forehead. Then, with sharp shafts, he also dispatched the horses toward death. The scene underscores the grim precision of battlefield skill—steadfastness without panic on one side, and the ruthless necessities of war on the other.

Verse 15

स शत्रुभुजनिर्मुक्तिर्ललाटस्थैस्त्रिभि: शरै:

Sañjaya said: With three arrows lodged in his forehead, he was freed from the enemy’s grasp—released from the crushing hold of hostile arms. The line underscores how, in the brutal economy of war, deliverance can come not through mercy but through decisive, wounding force, where survival and duty are measured amid relentless violence.

Verse 16

स च्छिन्नधन्वा विरथ: खड्गमादाय चर्म च

Sañjaya said: Having had his bow cut down and being left without a chariot, he seized a sword and a shield. In the press of battle, when one’s customary means are destroyed, the warrior’s resolve is tested—he must adapt without abandoning courage or duty, even as the scene underscores the grim escalation of close combat.

Verse 17

पद्भ्यामापततस्तस्य शरवृष्टिं समासृजत्‌

Sañjaya said: As he rushed forward on foot, he unleashed a rain of arrows upon that opponent—an image of relentless martial resolve, where courage and skill are pressed into the service of a grim, duty-bound war.

Verse 18

चित्रसेनरथं प्राप्य चित्रयोधी जितश्रम:

Sañjaya said: Having reached the chariot of Citrasena, the brilliantly fighting warrior—his fatigue overcome—pressed on with renewed vigor, as the battle’s momentum turned on steadfast endurance rather than mere display of force.

Verse 19

सकुण्डलं समुकुटं सुनसं स्वायतेक्षणम्‌

Sañjaya said: “(He appeared) adorned with earrings and a diadem, with a well-shaped nose, and with large, elongated eyes.”

Verse 20

स पपात रथोपस्थे दिवाकरसमद्युति:,सूर्यके समान तेजस्वी चित्रसेन रथके पिछले भागमें गिर पड़ा। चित्रसेनको मारा गया देख वहाँ खड़े हुए पाण्डव महारथी नकुलको साधुवाद देने और प्रचुरमात्रामें सिंहनाद करने लगे

Sañjaya said: Radiant like the sun, Citrasena fell upon the chariot-platform, collapsing toward the rear of the car. Seeing Citrasena slain, the Pāṇḍava great chariot-warriors who stood there acclaimed Nakula with praise and raised a mighty lion-roar—an affirmation of valor and righteous resolve amid the harsh demands of war.

Verse 21

चित्रसेनं विशस्तं तु दृष्टवा तत्र महारथा: | साधुवादस्वनांश्चक्रुः सिंहनादांश्व पुष्कलान्‌,सूर्यके समान तेजस्वी चित्रसेन रथके पिछले भागमें गिर पड़ा। चित्रसेनको मारा गया देख वहाँ खड़े हुए पाण्डव महारथी नकुलको साधुवाद देने और प्रचुरमात्रामें सिंहनाद करने लगे

Seeing Citrasena slain, the great chariot-warriors there raised cries of praise and many a lion-roar.

Verse 22

विशस्तं भ्रातरं दृष्टवा कर्णपुत्रौ महारथौ । सुषेण: सत्यसेनश्व मुज्चन्ती विविधान्‌ शरान्‌

Sañjaya said: Seeing their brother struck down, Karṇa’s two sons—both great chariot-warriors, Suṣeṇa and Satyasena—began to release volleys of many kinds of arrows.

Verse 23

ततो<भ्यधावतां तूर्ण पाण्डवं रथिनां वरम्‌ । अपने भाईको मारा गया देख कर्णके दो महारथी पुत्र सुषेण और सत्यसेन नाना प्रकारके बाणोंकी वर्षा करते हुए रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ पाण्डुपुत्र नकुलपर तुरंत ही चढ़ आये ।। २२ *॥ जिघांसन्तौ यथा नागं व्याप्रौ राजन्‌ महावने,राजन! जैसे विशाल वनमें दो व्याप्र किसी एक हाथीको मार डालनेकी इच्छासे उसकी ओर दौड़ें, उसी प्रकार तीखे स्वभाववाले वे दोनों भाई इन महारथी नकुलपर अपने बाणसमूहोंकी वर्षा करने लगे, मानो दो मेघ पानीकी धारावाहिक वृष्टि करते हों

Sañjaya said: Then, swiftly charging at Nakula—the Pāṇḍava who excelled among chariot-warriors—Karna’s two great chariot-fighter sons, Suṣeṇa and Satyasena, seeing their brother slain, rained down arrows of many kinds. O King, just as two tigers in a vast forest rush upon an elephant with the intent to kill, so those two fierce brothers poured volleys of arrows upon that mahāratha Nakula, like two clouds releasing continuous sheets of rain.

Verse 24

तावभ्यधावतां तीक्ष्णौ द्वावप्येनं महारथम्‌ | शरौघान्‌ सम्यगस्यन्तौ जीमूती सलिलं यथा,राजन! जैसे विशाल वनमें दो व्याप्र किसी एक हाथीको मार डालनेकी इच्छासे उसकी ओर दौड़ें, उसी प्रकार तीखे स्वभाववाले वे दोनों भाई इन महारथी नकुलपर अपने बाणसमूहोंकी वर्षा करने लगे, मानो दो मेघ पानीकी धारावाहिक वृष्टि करते हों

Sañjaya said: Those two fierce warriors rushed at that great chariot-fighter and, aiming well, poured volleys of arrows upon him—like two rain-clouds releasing streams of water.

Verse 25

स शरै: सर्वतो विद्ध: प्रह्दष्ट इव पाण्डव: । अन्यत्‌ कार्मुकमादाय रथमारुह्य वेगवान्‌

Sañjaya said: Though pierced on every side by arrows, the Pāṇḍava appeared as if exhilarated. Taking up another bow, the swift warrior mounted his chariot again—showing steadfast resolve amid suffering and refusing to yield in the face of adversity.

Verse 26

तस्य तौ भ्रातरौ राजन्‌ शरै: संनतपर्वभि:

Sañjaya said: O King, his two brothers were struck with arrows whose joints were well-bent and firmly set—missiles fashioned for deadly effect amid the press of battle.

Verse 27

ततः प्रहस्य नकुलश्षतुर्भिश्चतुरो रणे

Sañjaya said: Then Nakula, smiling, confronted four opponents on the battlefield—an image of composed courage amid the moral strain of war, where steadiness of mind is tested as much as strength of arms.

Verse 28

ततः संधाय नाराचं रुक्मपुड्खं शिलाशितम्‌

Sañjaya said: Then, having set and aimed a nārāca-arrow—gold-feathered and stone-whetted—he prepared to strike.

Verse 29

धनुश्चिच्छेद राजेन्द्र सत्यसेनस्थ पाण्डव: । राजेन्द्र! तत्पश्चात्‌ सानपर चढ़ाकर तेज किये हुए सुवर्णमय पंखवाले एक नाराचका संधान करके पाण्डुपुत्र नकुलने सत्यसेनका धनुष काट दिया || २८ $ ।। अथान्यं रथमास्थाय धनुरादाय चापरम्‌

Sanjaya said: O king, the Pandava (Nakula), stationed against Satyasena, cut down his bow. Then, mounting another chariot, he took up yet another bow—showing the relentless pace of battle where skill and resolve decide survival, and where a warrior’s duty is pursued through disciplined action rather than hatred.

Verse 30

अविध्यत्‌ तावसम्भ्रान्तो माद्रीपुत्र: प्रतापवान्‌

Sañjaya said: Then the valiant son of Mādrī, unshaken and self-possessed amid the turmoil of battle, struck his opponent. The line underscores the warrior’s steadiness of mind as an ethical ideal in war—acting with controlled resolve rather than panic.

Verse 31

सुषेणस्तु ततः क्रुद्ध: पाण्डवस्य महद्‌ धनु:

Sañjaya said: Then Suṣeṇa, inflamed with anger, turned his attention to the Pāṇḍava’s mighty bow—an emblem of the warrior’s power and resolve amid the escalating violence of the battlefield.

Verse 32

अथान्यद्‌ धनुरादाय नकुल: क्रोधमूर्च्छित:

Sañjaya said: Then Nakula, overcome and carried away by anger, took up another bow—signaling a renewed resolve to re-enter the fight with heightened intensity, as wrath begins to steer the warrior’s action amid the moral strain of war.

Verse 33

सत्यसेनस्य च भनुर्हस्तावापं च मारिष

Sañjaya said: “And (there was) Bhānu of Satyasena’s (line), and Hastāvāpa as well, O revered one.” In the grim roll-call of warriors amid the Kurukṣetra war, the narrator continues to name notable fighters, underscoring how many lives and lineages are drawn into the conflict and how fame and duty are weighed against the cost of battle.

Verse 34

अथान्यद्‌ धनुरादाय वेगघ्नं भारसाधनम्‌

Sañjaya said: Then, taking up another bow—one that could check the enemy’s speed and bear a heavy strain—he made ready for the next phase of the combat.

Verse 35

संनिवार्य तु तान्‌ बाणान्‌ नकुल: परवीरहा

Sañjaya said: Having checked those arrows, Nakula—slayer of enemy champions—stood firm, meeting the assault without yielding, as the duty of battle demanded.

Verse 36

तावेन॑ प्रत्यविध्येतां पृथक्‌ पृथगजिह्दगैः

Sañjaya said: Then the two of them struck back in return, each in his own turn, with arrows that flew straight and true—an exchange that showed the battle had become a relentless contest of skill and resolve.

Verse 37

सत्यसेनो रथेषां तु नकुलस्य धनुस्तथा

Sañjaya said: “And among the charioteers was Satyasena; likewise, Nakula’s bow.” The line continues the catalog of warriors and their martial means, showing how valor in war is bound to the instruments and support by which duty is carried out.

Verse 38

स रथे5तिरथस्तिष्ठन्‌ रथशक्ति परामृशत्‌

Sañjaya said: Standing firm upon his chariot like a foremost warrior, he grasped the chariot-spear, readying himself for the next decisive strike amid the relentless duties of battle.

Verse 39

स्वर्णदण्डामकुण्ठाग्रां तैलधौतां सुनिर्मलाम्‌ । लेलिहानामिव विभो नागकन्यां महाविषाम्‌

Sañjaya said: “O mighty one, (he beheld) a weapon with a golden shaft, its point unblunted, polished with oil and exceedingly clean—like a serpent-maiden of deadly venom, as though flicking her tongue.” The image underscores how, in war, even a finely crafted instrument becomes an emblem of lethal intent, where beauty and brilliance are inseparable from danger.

Verse 40

समुद्यम्य च चिक्षेप सत्यसेनस्य संयुगे । तदनन्तर रथपर खड़े हुए अतिरथी वीर नकुलने एक रथशक्ति हाथमें ली, जिसमें सोनेका डंडा लगा हुआ था। उसका अग्रभाग कहीं भी कुण्ठित होनेवाला नहीं था। प्रभो! तेलमें धोकर साफ की हुई वह निर्मल शक्ति जीभ लपलपाती हुई महाविषैली नागिनके समान प्रतीत होती थी। नकुलने युद्धस्थलमें सत्यसेनको लक्ष्य करके ऊपर उठाकर वह रथशक्ति चला दी ।। ३८-३९ $ ।। सा तस्य हृदयं संख्ये बिभेद च तथा नूप

Sanjaya said: In the press of battle, Nakula, that foremost of chariot-warriors, lifted a chariot-spear (shakti) fitted with a golden shaft. Its point was unblunted and irresistible. Washed clean in oil, it shone pure and bright; with its flickering tongue-like blade it looked like a great venomous serpent. Fixing Satyasena as his target on the battlefield, Nakula raised the weapon aloft and hurled it. It struck and pierced Satyasena in the fight, driving into his vital region.

Verse 41

स पपात रथाद्‌ भूमिं गतसत्त्वो5ल्पचेतन: । नरेश्वर! उस शक्ति ने रणभूमिमें उसके वक्ष:स्थलको विदीर्ण कर दिया। सत्यसेनकी चेतना जाती रही और वह प्राणशून्य होकर रथसे पृथ्वीपर गिर पड़ा || ४० ई ।। भ्रातरं निहतं दृष्टवा सुषेण: क्रोधमूर्च्छित:

Sañjaya said: He fell from his chariot to the ground, his vital force gone and his awareness dim. O king, that spear-weapon tore open his chest on the battlefield; his consciousness departed, and bereft of life he dropped from the chariot onto the earth. Seeing his brother slain, Suṣeṇa, overcome by a swoon of wrath, (reacted…).

Verse 42

चतुर्भिश्वतुरो वाहान्‌ ध्वजं छित्त्वा च पञचभि:

Sañjaya said: With four (arrows) he cut down the four horses, and with five he severed the banner—an act that displays the ruthless precision of battlefield skill, where the aim is not only to wound the warrior but to disable the chariot’s power and morale by striking its supports and emblem.

Verse 43

नकुलं विरथं दृष्टवा द्रौपदेयो महारथम्‌

Sañjaya said: Seeing Nakula deprived of his chariot, the mighty chariot-warrior—the son of Draupadī—(advanced to confront him). The line underscores the battlefield ethic that a warrior’s vulnerability, such as being left without a chariot, becomes a decisive moment that draws the attention of powerful opponents and allies alike.

Verse 44

सुतसोमो भिदुद्राव परीप्सन्‌ पितरं रणे । महारथी नकुलको रथहीन हुआ देख द्रौपदीका पुत्र सुतमोम अपने चाचाकी रक्षाके लिये वहाँ दौड़ा आया ।। ततो5घिरुह्मु नकुलः: सुतसोमस्य तं रथम्‌

Sañjaya said: Seeing the great chariot-warrior Nakula left without a chariot in the midst of battle, Sutasoma—Draupadī’s son—rushed forward, intent on protecting his uncle. Then Nakula mounted Sutasoma’s chariot.

Verse 45

शुशुभे भरतश्रेष्ठो गिरिस्थ इव केसरी । तब सुतसोमके उस रथपर आरूढ़ हो भरतश्रेष्ठ नकुल पर्वतपर बैठे हुए सिंहके समान सुशोभित होने लगे ।। अन्यत्‌ कार्मुकमादाय सुषेणं समयोधयत्‌,उन्होंने दूसरा धनुष हाथमें लेकर सुषेणके साथ युद्ध आरम्भ कर दिया। वे दोनों महारथी वीर बाणोंकी वर्षाद्वारा एक-दूसरेसे टक्कर लेकर परस्पर वधके लिये प्रयत्न करने लगे

Sañjaya said: Nakula, the best of the Bharatas, mounted upon Sutasoma’s chariot, shone like a lion stationed upon a mountain. Taking up another bow, he engaged Suṣeṇa in combat. Those two heroic mahārathas met each other with showers of arrows, each striving to strike down the other.

Verse 46

तावुभौ शरवर्षाभ्यां समासाद्य परस्परम्‌ | परस्परवधे यत्नं चक्रतु: सुमहारथौ,उन्होंने दूसरा धनुष हाथमें लेकर सुषेणके साथ युद्ध आरम्भ कर दिया। वे दोनों महारथी वीर बाणोंकी वर्षाद्वारा एक-दूसरेसे टक्कर लेकर परस्पर वधके लिये प्रयत्न करने लगे

Sañjaya said: Closing in upon one another, those two mighty chariot-warriors met with showers of arrows. Each strove for the other’s death—locked in a relentless duel where prowess and resolve were bent toward mutual destruction.

Verse 47

सुषेणस्तु ततः क्रुद्ध: पाण्डवं विशिखैस्त्रिभि: | सुतसोम॑ तु विंशत्या बाह्दोरुरगसि चार्पयत्‌,उस समय सुषेणने कुपित होकर तीन बाणोंसे पाण्डुपुत्र नकुलको बींध डाला और सुतसोमकी दोनों भुजाओं एवं छातीमें बीस बाण मारे

Sañjaya said: Then Suṣeṇa, inflamed with anger, pierced the Pāṇḍava Nakula with three sharp arrows; and he struck Sutasoma with twenty arrows, lodging them in his two arms and in his chest.

Verse 48

ततः क्रुद्धो महाराज नकुल: परवीरहा । शरैस्तस्य दिश: सर्वाश्छादयामास वीर्यवान्‌,महाराज! तत्पश्चात्‌ शत्रुवीरोंका संहार करनेवाले पराक्रमी नकुलने कुपित हो बाणोंकी वर्षासे सुषेणकी सम्पूर्ण दिशाओंको आच्छादित कर दिया

Sañjaya said: Then Nakula—mighty in valor and a slayer of enemy-heroes—angered, O King, covered all the directions around his foe with a dense shower of arrows.

Verse 49

ततो गृहीत्वा तीक्ष्णाग्रमर्धचन्द्रं सुतेजनम्‌ । सुवेगवन्तं चिक्षेप कर्णपुत्राय संयुगे,इसके बाद तीखी धारवाले एक अत्यन्त तेज और वेगशाली अर्धचन्द्राकार बाण लेकर उसे समरांगणमें कर्णपुत्रपर चला दिया

Sañjaya said: Then, taking up a razor‑edged, crescent‑shaped arrow, blazing with keen brilliance and driven with great speed, he hurled it in the thick of battle at Karṇa’s son.

Verse 50

तस्य तेन शिर: कायाज्जहार नृपसत्तम । पश्यतां सर्वसैन्यानां तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्‌,नृपश्रेष्ठ॒ उस बाणसे नकुलने सम्पूर्ण सेनाओंके देखते-देखते सुषेणका मस्तक धड़से काट गिराया। वह अद्भुत-सी घटना हुई

Sañjaya said: With that arrow, O best of kings, he severed his head from his body before the eyes of all the armies; the deed appeared almost miraculous in its suddenness and force.

Verse 51

स हत: प्रापतद्‌ राजन्‌ नकुलेन महात्मना । नदीवेगादिवारुग्णस्तीरज: पादपो महान्‌,महामनस्वी नकुलके हाथसे मारा जाकर सुषेण पृथ्वीपर गिर पड़ा, मानो नदीके वेगसे कटकर महान्‌ तटवर्ती वृक्ष धराशायी हो गया हो

Sañjaya said: O King, struck down by the great-souled Nakula, he fell to the earth—like a mighty tree on a riverbank, torn from its base by the force of the current.

Verse 52

कर्णपुत्रवधध॑ दृष्टवा नकुलस्य च विक्रमम्‌ । प्रदुद्राव भयात्‌ सेना तावकी भरतर्षभ,भरतश्रेष्ठ! कर्णपुत्रोंका वध और नकुलका पराक्रम देखकर आपकी सेना भयसे भाग चली

Sañjaya said: Seeing the slaying of Karṇa’s son and the prowess of Nakula, your army—overcome by fear—broke ranks and fled, O bull among the Bharatas.

Verse 53

तां तु सेनां महाराज मद्रराज: प्रतापवान्‌ । अपालयदू रणे शूर: सेनापतिररिंदम:,महाराज! उस समय रणभूमिमें शत्रुओंका दमन करनेवाले वीर सेनापति प्रतापी मद्रराज शल्यने आपकी उस सेनाका संरक्षण किया

Sañjaya said: O King, in that battle the valiant and illustrious ruler of Madra—Śalya—an indomitable foe-destroying commander, protected that army of yours.

Verse 54

विभीस्तस्थौ महाराज व्यवस्थाप्य च वाहिनीम्‌ | सिंहनादं भृशं कृत्वा धनु:शब्दं च दारुणम्‌,राजाधिराज! वे जोर-जोरसे सिंहनाद और धनुषकी भयंकर टंकार करके कौरव- सेनाको स्थिर रखते हुए रणभूमिमें निर्भय खड़े थे

Sañjaya said: O great king, having arrayed and steadied the army, he stood firm and unafraid on the battlefield, letting out a mighty lion-roar and producing a dreadful twang of the bow—meant to hearten his own side and strike fear into the enemy.

Verse 55

तावका: समरे राजन्‌ रक्षिता दृढ्धन्वना । प्रत्युद्ययुररातींस्तु समन्‍्ताद्‌ विगतव्यथा:,राजन! सुदृढ़ धनुष धारण करनेवाले राजा शल्यसे सुरक्षित हो व्यथाशून्य हुए आपके सैनिक समरमें सब ओरसे शत्रुओंकी ओर बढ़ने लगे

Sañjaya said: O King, your warriors, protected in battle by Śalya of the firm bow, became free from distress and, from all sides, advanced to meet the enemy.

Verse 56

मद्रराजं महेष्वासं परिवार्य समन्ततः । स्थिता राजन्‌ महासेना योद्धुकामा समन्ततः,नरेश्वरर आपकी विशाल सेना महाथधनुर्थर मद्रराज शल्यको चारों ओरसे घेरकर शत्रुओंके साथ युद्धके लिये खड़ी हो गयी

Sañjaya said: O King, your vast army, eager to fight, stood all around—having completely surrounded Śalya, the Madra king, that great archer—ready for battle on every side.

Verse 57

सात्यकिर्भीमसेनश्व माद्रीपुत्री च पाण्डवौ । युधिष्ठिरं पुरस्कृत्य ह्वीनिषेवमरिंदमम्‌,उधरसे सात्यकि, भीमसेन तथा माद्रीकुमार पाण्डुनन्दन नकुल-सहदेव शत्रुदमन एवं लज्जाशील युधिष्ठिरको आगे करके चढ़ आये

Sañjaya said: Sātyaki, Bhīmasena, and the two Pāṇḍava sons of Mādrī (Nakula and Sahadeva) advanced, placing Yudhiṣṭhira at their head—Yudhiṣṭhira, the foe-subduer, who was by nature modest and restrained.

Verse 58

परिवार्य रणे वीरा: सिंहनादं प्रचक्रिरे । बाणशड्खरवांस्तीव्रान्‌ क्ष्वेडाश्न विविधा दधु:,रणभूमिमें वे सभी वीर युधिष्ठिरको बीचमें करके सिंहनाद करने, बाणों और शंखोंकी तीव्र ध्वनि फैलाने तथा भाँति-भाँतिसे गर्जना करने लगे

Sañjaya said: In the midst of battle, the heroes closed in around Yudhiṣṭhira and raised a lion-like roar. They filled the field with the sharp clamour of arrows and conches, and with many kinds of war-cries.

Verse 59

तथैव तावका: सर्वे मद्राधिपतिमज्जसा । परिवार्य सुसंरब्धा: पुनर्युद्रभरोचयन्‌,इसी प्रकार आपके समस्त सैनिक मद्रराजको चारों ओरसे घेरकर रोष और आवेशसे युक्त हो पुनः युद्धमें ही रुचि दिखाने लगे

Sañjaya said: “Just so, all your warriors, swiftly surrounding the lord of Madra on every side, inflamed with anger and fierce excitement, once again showed eagerness for battle.”

Verse 60

ततः प्रववृते युद्ध भीरूणां भयवर्धनम्‌ । तावकानां परेषां च मृत्युं कृत्वा निवर्तनम्‌,तदनन्तर मृत्युको ही युद्धसे निवृत्तिका निमित्त बनाकर आपके और शत्रुपक्षके योद्धाओंमें घोर युद्ध आरम्भ हो गया, जो कायरोंका भय बढ़ानेवाला था

Sañjaya said: “Then the battle surged forth—one that heightened the fear of the faint-hearted. Warriors on both sides, yours and the enemy’s, fought in such a way that death itself became the cause for turning back, as men withdrew only when struck down or forced to retreat by mortal peril.”

Verse 61

यथा देवासूुरं युद्ध पूर्वमासीद्‌ विशाम्पते । अभीतानां तथा राजन्‌ यमराष्ट्रविवर्धनम्‌,राजन! प्रजानाथ! जैसे पूर्वकालमें देवताओं और असुरोंका युद्ध हुआ था, उसी प्रकार भयशून्य कौरवों और पाण्डवोंमें यमराजके राज्यकी वृद्धि करनेवाला भयंकर संग्राम होने लगा

Sañjaya said: “O lord of the people, just as in ancient times there was a war between the gods and the asuras, so now, O king, a dreadful battle began between the fearless Kauravas and Pāṇḍavas—one that swells the dominion of Yama, the Lord of Death.”

Verse 62

ततः कपिध्वजो राजन्‌ हत्वा संशप्तकान्‌ रणे । अभ्यद्रवत तां सेनां कौरवीं पाण्डुनन्दन:,नरेश्वर! तदनन्तर पाण्डुनन्दन कपिध्वज अर्जुनने भी संशप्तकोंका संहार करके रणभूमिमें उस कौरवसेनापर आक्रमण किया

Sañjaya said: “Then, O King, the son of Pāṇḍu—Arjuna, whose banner bears the emblem of Hanumān—having slain the Saṁśaptakas in battle, charged straight into that Kaurava host.”

Verse 63

तथैव पाण्डवा: सर्वे धृष्टद्युम्नपुरोगमा: । अभ्यधावन्त तां सेनां विसृजन्त: शितान्‌ शरान्‌,इसी प्रकार धृष्टद्युम्म आदि समस्त पाण्डववीर पैने बाणोंकी वर्षा करते हुए आपकी उस सेनापर चढ़ आये

Sañjaya said: “Just so, all the Pāṇḍavas—led in the van by Dhṛṣṭadyumna—charged straight at that army, releasing volleys of keen-edged arrows.”

Verse 64

पाण्डवैरवकीर्णानां सम्मोह: समजायत | न च जज्ञुस्त्वनीकानि दिशो वा विदिशस्तथा,पाण्डवोंके बाणोंसे आच्छादित हुए कौरव-योद्धाओंपर मोह छा गया। उन्हें दिशाओं अथवा विदिशाओंका भी ज्ञान न रहा

Sañjaya said: When the Kaurava warriors were showered and covered over by the Pāṇḍavas’ arrows, bewilderment arose among them. In that confusion they could no longer recognize their battle-formations, nor even discern the directions and intermediate quarters—so completely were their senses and judgment overwhelmed amid the press of war.

Verse 65

आपूर्यमाणा निशितै: शरै: पाण्डवचोदितै: । हतप्रवीरा विध्वस्ता वार्यमाणा समन्तत:

Sañjaya said: “Pressed on by the Pāṇḍavas, that host was being filled—pierced through—with sharp arrows. Its foremost heroes were slain; its ranks were shattered; and though it struggled to hold its ground on every side, it was driven back and broken.”

Verse 66

पाण्डवोंके चलाये हुए पैने बाणोंसे व्याप्त हो कौरवसेनाके मुख्य-मुख्य वीर मारे गये। वह सेना नष्ट होने लगी और चारों ओरसे उसकी गति अवरुद्ध हो गयी ।। कौरव्यवध्यत चमू: पाण्डुपुत्रैर्महारथै: । तथैव पाण्डवं सैन्यं शरै राजन्‌ समन्ततः

Sañjaya said: The Kaurava host was being cut down by the Pāṇḍu princes—great chariot-warriors—while, on the other side, the Pāṇḍava army too was everywhere hemmed in and struck by showers of arrows. Thus the battle turned into mutual destruction: valor and skill rained death impartially, and the very movement of the troops was choked on all sides as the field filled with fallen heroes.

Verse 67

ते सेने भृशसंतप्ते वध्यमाने परस्परम्‌

Sañjaya said: When those two armies, grievously tormented, were striking one another down in mutual slaughter, the battlefield became a scene of intense suffering and relentless reciprocity of violence—each side both agent and victim in the same cycle of war.

Verse 68

व्याकुले समपद्येतां वर्षासु सरिताविव । जैसे वर्षाकालमें दो नदियाँ एक-दूसरीके जलसे भरकर व्याकुल-सी हो उठती हैं, उसी प्रकार आपसकी मार खाती हुई वे दोनों सेनाएँ अत्यन्त संतप्त हो उठीं ।। ६७ ई ।। आविवेश ततस्तीव्रं तावकानां महद्‌ भयम्‌ । पाण्डवानां च राजेन्द्र तथाभूते महाहवे,राजेन्द्र! उस अवस्थामें उस महासमरमें खड़े हुए आपके और पाण्डवयोद्धाओंके मनमें भी दु:ःसह एवं भारी भय समा गया

Sañjaya said: Like two rivers in the rainy season, swollen by each other’s waters and churning in turbulence, the two armies, striking one another, became intensely distressed. Then, O king, in that great battle, a fierce and overwhelming fear entered both your warriors and the Pāṇḍavas as the fight took that dreadful form—showing how war’s momentum can engulf all sides in the same terror and suffering.

Verse 113

परस्परवधे यत्तौ छिद्रान्वेषणतत्परौ । उस समय वहाँ पाण्डुपुत्र नकुल और कर्णकुमार चित्रसेनमें मुझे कोई अन्तर नहीं दिखायी देता था। दोनों ही अस्त्र-शस्त्रोंके विद्वान, बलवान्‌ तथा रथयुद्धमें कुशल थे। परस्पर घातमें लगे हुए वे दोनों वीर एक-दूसरेके छिद्र (प्रहारके योग्य अवसर) ढूँढ़ रहे थे

Sañjaya said: Both were intent on each other’s destruction, wholly absorbed in searching for a vulnerable opening. At that moment, to my eyes there was no difference between Pāṇḍu’s son Nakula and Karṇa’s son Citraseṇa: both were learned in weapons, strong, and skilled in chariot-combat. Engaged in mutual assault, those two heroes kept watching for the slightest lapse that could become a lawful strike in the code of war, even as the battle’s fury pressed them toward lethal ends.

Verse 126

नकुलस्य महाराज मुष्टिदेशे5च्छिनद्‌ धनु: । महाराज! इतनेहीमें चित्रसेनने एक पानीदार पैने भल्लके द्वारा नकुलके धनुषको मुट्ठी पकड़नेकी जगहसे काट दिया

Sañjaya said: O King, with a sharp, well-tempered bhalla arrow, Citrasena cut Nakula’s bow at the very grip—right where the hand holds it—disabling his weapon in the midst of battle.

Verse 143

तथा ध्वजं सारथिं च त्रिभिस्त्रिेभिरपातयत्‌ । उसने अपने तीखे बाणोंद्वारा नकुलके घोड़ोंको भी मृत्युके हवाले कर दिया तथा तीन- तीन बाणोंसे उनके ध्वज और सारथिको भी काट गिराया

Sañjaya said: In the same manner, he struck down the banner and the charioteer with three arrows each. With his keen shafts he also consigned Nakula’s horses to death.

Verse 153

नकुल: शुशुभे राजंस्त्रिशुड्र इव पर्वत: । राजन! शत्रुकी भुजाओंसे छूटकर ललाटमें धँसे हुए उन तीन बाणोंके द्वारा नकुल तीन शिखरोंवाले पर्वतके समान शोभा पाने लगे

Sañjaya said: “O King, Nakula shone forth like a mountain with three peaks, as those three arrows—released from the enemy’s arms—had sunk into his forehead.”

Verse 163

रथादवातरद्‌ वीर: शैलाग्रादिव केसरी । धनुष कट जानेपर रथहीन हुए वीर नकुल हाथमें ढाल-तलवार लेकर पर्वतके शिखरसे उतरनेवाले सिंहके समान रथसे नीचे आ गये

Sañjaya said: The heroic warrior dismounted from his chariot, like a lion descending from a mountain peak. Though deprived of his chariot, he did not abandon courage or duty; taking up sword and shield, he stepped down to continue the fight with steadfast resolve amid the chaos of war.

Verse 173

नकुलो>प्यग्रसत्‌ तां वै चर्मणा लघुविक्रम: । उस समय चित्रसेन पैदल आक्रमण करनेवाले नकुलके ऊपर बाणोंकी वृष्टि करने लगा। परंतु शीघ्रतापूर्वक पराक्रम प्रकट करनेवाले नकुलने ढालके द्वारा ही रोककर उस बाण-वर्षाको नष्ट कर दिया

Sañjaya said: Nakula too pressed forward. Swift in action, he used his shield to check the oncoming shower of arrows, nullifying the missile-rain directed at him. The scene underscores disciplined courage in battle—meeting aggression not with rashness, but with alert defense and controlled valor.

Verse 186

आरुरोह महाबाहु: सर्वसैन्यस्य पश्यत: । विचित्र रीतिसे युद्ध करनेवाले महाबाहु नकुल परिश्रमको जीत चुके थे। वे सारी सेनाके देखते-देखते चित्रसेनके रथके समीप जा उसपर चढ़ गये

Sañjaya said: In full view of the entire army, the mighty-armed warrior mounted up. Nakula, fighting with varied and wondrous skill, had already conquered fatigue; and before all the troops, he went up to Citrasena’s chariot and climbed onto it.

Verse 193

चित्रसेनशिर: कायादपाहरत पाण्डव: । तत्पश्चात्‌ पाण्डुकुमारने सुन्दर नासिका और विशाल नेत्रोंसे युक्त कुण्डल और मुकुटसहित चित्रसेनके मस्तकको धड़से काट लिया

Sanjaya said: A Pandava struck down Citrasena, severing and taking his head from his body. Thereafter, the son of Pandu cut off Citrasena’s head from the trunk—adorned with earrings and a crown, marked by a handsome nose and large eyes—depicting the grim finality of battlefield justice where valor and fate culminate in irreversible loss.

Verse 256

अतिष्ठत रणे वीर: क्रुद्धरूप इवान्तक: । सब ओरसे बाणोंद्वारा विद्ध होनेपर भी पाण्डुकुमार नकुल हर्ष और उत्साहमें भरे हुए वीर योद्धाकी भाँति दूसरा धनुष हाथमें लेकर बड़े वेगसे दूसरे रथपर जा चढ़े और कुपित हुए कालके समान रणभूमिमें खड़े हो गये

Sanjaya said: In the thick of battle that hero stood firm, his wrathful form like Yama, the Ender. Though pierced on every side by arrows, Nakula—the son of Pandu—filled with joy and ardor, seized another bow in his hand and, with great speed, mounted another chariot. Thus, like Time itself when provoked, he remained standing on the battlefield—unyielding in courage and resolve amid the violence of war.

Verse 266

रथं विशकलीकर्तु समारब्धौ विशाम्पते । राजन! प्रजानाथ! उन दोनों भाइयोंने झुकी हुई गाँठवाले बाणोंद्वारा नकुलके रथके टुकड़े-टुकड़े करनेकी चेष्टा आरम्भ की

Sañjaya said: O lord of the people, O king, protector of your subjects—those two brothers set about trying to shatter Nakula’s chariot into fragments, launching their bent-knot (crooked-jointed) arrows to break it apart. The scene underscores the ruthless precision of battlefield tactics, where disabling a warrior’s vehicle becomes a direct assault on his capacity to fight and survive.

Verse 273

जघान निशितैर्बाणै: सत्यसेनस्यथ वाजिन: । तब नकुलने हँसकर रणभूमिमें चार पैने बाणोंद्वारा सत्यसेनके चारों घोड़ोंको मार डाला

Sañjaya said: With sharp arrows he struck down Satyasena’s horses. Then Nakula, smiling with confidence amid the clash of arms, felled Satyasena’s four steeds on the battlefield with four keen shafts—disabling the foe’s mobility and chariot-power without, in that instant, striking at the warrior’s life, in keeping with the tactics and restraint of chariot-war.

Verse 293

सत्यसेन: सुषेणश्च पाण्डवं पर्यधावताम्‌ । इसके बाद दूसरे रथपर सवार हो दूसरा धनुष हाथमें लेकर सत्यसेन और सुषेण दोनोंने पाण्डुकुमार नकुलपर धावा किया

Sañjaya said: Satyasena and Suṣeṇa rushed in pursuit of the Pāṇḍava. Then, mounting another chariot and taking up a second bow, the two—Satyasena and Suṣeṇa—charged at Nakula, the son of Pāṇḍu. The verse marks the battle’s relentless momentum, where resolve and tactical readiness drive assault after assault, testing a warrior’s steadiness and duty amid violence.

Verse 303

द्वाभ्यां द्वाभ्यां महाराज शराभ्यां रणमूर्थनि । महाराज! माद्रीके प्रतापी पुत्र नकुलने बिना किसी घबराहटके युद्धके मुहानेपर दो-दो बाणोंसे उन दोनों भाइयोंको घायल कर दिया

Sañjaya said: O King, on the very forefront of the battlefield, he struck them—two by two—with arrows, wounding both brothers. O Maharaja, Nakula, the valiant son of Mādrī, without the least alarm at the mouth of war, hurt those two brothers with paired shafts. The scene shows war’s relentless precision: courage and skill displayed without hesitation, while the moral weight of harming one’s own kin lies unspoken within the larger tragedy of Kurukṣetra.

Verse 316

चिच्छेद प्रहसन युद्धे क्षुरप्रेण महारथ: । इससे सुषेणको बड़ा क्रोध हुआ। उस महारथीने हँसते-हँसते युद्धस्थलमें एक क्षुरप्रके द्वारा पाण्डुकुमार नकुलके विशाल धनुषको काट डाला

Sañjaya said: In the midst of battle, that great chariot-warrior, smiling as he fought, severed Nakula’s mighty bow with a razor-edged arrow. The deed—done with confident ease—stirred Suṣeṇa’s wrath, sharpening the personal edge of the combat within the war’s relentless code of duty.

Verse 326

सुषेणं पञ्चभिर्विद्ध्वा ध्वजमेकेन चिच्छिदे । फिर तो नकुल क्रोधसे तमतमा उठे और दूसरा धनुष लेकर उन्होंने पाँच बाणोंसे सुषेणको घायल करके एकसे उसकी ध्वजाको भी काट डाला

Sañjaya said: Having pierced Suṣeṇa with five arrows, he then severed his banner with a single shaft—an act meant to break the enemy’s pride and proclaim dominance amid the battlefield’s relentless duty.

Verse 333

चिच्छेद तरसा युद्धे तत उच्चुक्रुशुर्जना: । आर्य! इसके बाद रणभूमिमें सत्यसेनके धनुष और दस्तानेके भी नकुलने वेगपूर्वक टुकड़े-टुकड़े कर डाले। इससे सब लोग जोर-जोरसे कोलाहल करने लगे

Sanjaya said: In the heat of battle, he swiftly cut it down; and at that sight the people cried out loudly. Thereafter, on the battlefield, Nakula, with great speed, also shattered Satyasena’s bow and his protective gloves into pieces, causing a great uproar among all who witnessed it.

Verse 343

शरै: संछादयामास समन्तात्‌ पाण्डुनन्दनम्‌ | तब सत्यसेनने शत्रुका वेग नष्ट करनेवाले दूसरे भारसाधक धनुषको हाथमें लेकर अपने बाणोंद्वारा पाण्डुनन्दन नकुलको ढक दिया

Sanjaya said: With a shower of arrows he completely covered the son of Pandu on all sides. In the heat of battle, the warrior Satyasena—swift in assault and intent on breaking the enemy’s momentum—took up another powerful bow and, by his volleys, blanketed Nakula, the Pandava prince, with arrows.

Verse 376

पृथक्‌ शराभ्यां चिच्छेद कृतहस्त: प्रतापवान्‌ । तत्पश्चात्‌ सिद्धहस्त और प्रतापी वीर सत्यसेनने पृथक्‌-पृथक्‌ दो-दो बाणोंसे नकुलका धनुष और उनके रथके ईषादण्ड भी काट डाले

Sanjaya said: The mighty warrior, skilled of hand and full of prowess, severed them with two separate arrows. Thereafter the heroic Satyasena—sure-handed and formidable—cut down, with pairs of arrows shot separately, Nakula’s bow and even the pole of his chariot.

Verse 413

अभ्यवर्षच्छरैस्तूर्ण पादातं पाण्डुनन्दनम्‌ । भाईको मारा गया देख सुषेण क्रोधसे व्याकुल हो उठा और तुरंत ही हरसा कट जानेसे पैदल हुए-से पाण्डुनन्दन नकुलपर बाणोंकी वर्षा करने लगा

Sanjaya said: Enraged and shaken by grief at the sight of his brother’s death, Suseṇa swiftly showered arrows upon Nakula, the son of Pāṇḍu, who had been forced to fight on foot after his horse was cut down.

Verse 423

त्रिभिवव सारथिं हत्वा कर्णपुत्रो ननाद ह । उसने चार बाणोंसे उनके चारों घोड़ोंको मार डाला और पाँचसे उनकी ध्वजा काटकर तीनसे सारथिके भी प्राण ले लिये। इसके बाद कर्णपुत्र जोर-जोरसे सिंहनाद करने लगा

Sanjaya said: Having slain the charioteer with three arrows, Karna’s son let out a loud roar. In the heat of battle he swiftly struck down the opponent’s four horses with four arrows, cut the banner with five, and with three more took the charioteer’s life; thereafter, Karna’s son roared again like a lion.

Verse 663

रणे5हन्यत पुत्रैस्ते शतशशो5थ सहस््रशः । राजन! महारथी पाण्डुपुत्र कौरव-सेनाका वध करने लगे। इसी प्रकार आपके पुत्र भी पाण्डव-सेनाके सैकड़ों, हजारों वीरोंका समरांगणमें सब ओरसे अपने बाणोंद्वारा संहार करने लगे

Sañjaya said: In the battle, your sons struck down warriors by the hundreds and then by the thousands. O King, the great chariot-warrior among the sons of Pāṇḍu began to wreak slaughter in the Kaurava host. In the same way, your sons too, on every side of the battlefield, destroyed hundreds and thousands of heroes of the Pāṇḍava army with their arrows—an image of war’s escalating fury, where prowess eclipses restraint and the cost is measured in lives rather than victory alone.

Verse 3536

सत्यसेन सुषेणं च द्वाभ्यां द्वाभ्यामविध्यत । शत्रुवीरोंका संहार करनेवाले नकुलने उन बाणोंका निवारण करके सत्यसेन और सुषेणको भी दो-दो बाणोंद्वारा घायल कर दिया

Sañjaya said: He struck Satyasena and Suṣeṇa with two arrows each. Nakula—renowned as a destroyer of enemy champions—checked those incoming shafts and, in measured retaliation, wounded Satyasena and Suṣeṇa as well with two arrows apiece, exemplifying controlled prowess amid the chaos of war.

Verse 3636

सारथिं चास्य राजेन्द्र शितैर्विव्यधतु: शरै: । राजेन्द्र! फिर उन दोनों भाइयोंने भी पृथक्‌ू-पृथक्‌ अनेक बाणोंसे नकुलको बींध डाला और पैने बाणोंद्वारा उनके सारथिको भी घायल कर दिया

Sañjaya said: “O king, those two brothers pierced him with sharp arrows; and with keen shafts they also wounded his charioteer.” The verse underscores the relentless escalation of battle, where even the driver of the chariot—an essential but non-combatant support figure—is drawn into harm amid the fury of war.