Shloka 35
Adhyāya 21 — Duryodhanasya bāṇavarṣaḥ
Duryodhana’s Arrow-Storm and the Dust-Obscured Engagements
असम्भ्रमं दुराधर्ष: शितैर्बाणैरवाकिरत् । अतिष्ठदाहवे यत्त: पुत्रस्तव महाबल:,माननीय नरेश! उस समय क्रोधमें भरा हुआ आपका महाबली पुत्र दुर्धर्ष दुर्योधन सावधान हो बिना किसी घबराहटके समस्त पाण्डवों, द्रुपदपुत्र धृष्टद्युम्न, शिखण्डी, द्रौपदीके पाँचों पुत्रों, पांचालों, केकयों, सोमकों और सूंजयोंपर पैने बाणोंकी वर्षा करने लगा तथा निर्भय होकर युद्धभूमिमें डटा रहा
sañjaya uvāca |
asambhramaṃ durādharṣaḥ śitair bāṇair avākirat |
atiṣṭhad āhave yattaḥ putras tava mahābalaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Your mighty son—hard to assail—without agitation, showered the battlefield with sharp arrows. Fully intent on combat, he stood his ground in the fight, unshaken amid the clash of arms.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the warrior ideal of steadiness under pressure: acting without panic (asambhrama) and remaining resolute (atiṣṭhat) even amid danger. Ethically, it illustrates the kṣatriya emphasis on composure and determination in one’s chosen duty, though the broader epic invites reflection on how such valor is used and for what ends.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Duryodhana, described as formidable, calmly rains sharp arrows and stands firm on the battlefield, fully engaged in the fight.