Shloka 20
शल्यस्य पाण्डवसेनापीडनम् — Śalya’s Assault on the Pāṇḍava Host
with Omens and Bhīma’s Counter
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
sa papāta rathopasthe divākarasamadyutiḥ | sūryake samāna tejasvī citrasenaḥ rathasya paścime bhāge nipapāta | citrasenaṃ hataṃ dṛṣṭvā tatra sthitāḥ pāṇḍavā mahārathinaḥ nakulaṃ sādhuvādaṃ dātuṃ pracuramātraṃ siṃhanādaṃ ca cakruḥ ||
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.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in the violence of battle, the epic frames conduct through kṣatriya-dharma: courage, steadfastness, and public recognition of rightful prowess. The lion-roar and praise are not mere celebration of death, but a communal affirmation of duty fulfilled and morale sustained in a dharmic struggle.
Citrasena, described as sun-like in radiance, is struck down and falls onto the chariot, toward its rear. Witnessing his death, the Pāṇḍava great warriors applaud Nakula—implying Nakula’s decisive role—and raise a loud triumphant battle-cry.