Shloka 26
Śalya–Bhīma Gadā-saṃnipāta and Śalya’s Bāṇa-jāla against Yudhiṣṭhira
Book 9, Chapter 11
द्विरदास्तुरगाश्चार्ता: पत्तयो रथिनस्तथा । शल्यस्य बाणैरपतन् बश्रमुर्व्यनदंस्तथा,शल्यके बाणोंकी मार खाकर पीड़ित हुए हाथी, घोड़े, रथी और पैदल-सैनिक गिरने, चक्कर काटने और आर्तनाद करने लगे
dviradās turagāś cārtāḥ pattayo rathinas tathā | śalyasya bāṇair apatan bhramur urvy anadan tathā ||
Sañjaya said: Struck and tormented by Śalya’s arrows, elephants and horses, as well as foot-soldiers and chariot-warriors, fell down; others reeled in confusion across the earth and cried out in anguish.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the human and animal suffering produced by warfare: martial skill (Śalya’s archery) brings immediate devastation to all ranks. Ethically, it invites reflection on the heavy cost that accompanies kṣatriya duty and the tragic consequences of violent conflict.
Sañjaya describes the battlefield effect of Śalya’s arrows: elephants, horses, infantry, and chariot-fighters are struck; many collapse, while others stagger and cry out in pain, showing Śalya’s overwhelming impact in the fight.