Shloka 166
Book 9 (Śalya-parva), Adhyāya 13 — Arjuna’s Arrow-storm and the Drauṇi Confrontation
साश्व॒सूतध्वजरथं शल्यं प्राच्छादयच्छरै: । तब धर्मपुत्र युधिष्ठिरने दूसरा धनुष हाथमें लेकर घोड़े, सारथि, ध्वज और रथसहित शल्यको अपने बाणोंसे आच्छादित कर दिया
sāśvasūtadhvajarathaṃ śalyaṃ prācchādayaccharaiḥ |
Sañjaya said: Then Dharmaputra Yudhiṣṭhira, taking up another bow, covered Śalya with a shower of arrows—along with his horses, charioteer, banner, and chariot—pressing the battle in a manner befitting a king who must uphold duty even amid the harsh necessities of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma: even a ruler known for righteousness must act decisively in battle when duty demands it, balancing ethical intent with the grim obligations of war.
Yudhiṣṭhira switches to another bow and unleashes a dense volley of arrows that overwhelms Śalya and his entire chariot-ensemble—horses, charioteer, banner, and chariot—intensifying the duel.