Shloka 30
Śalya-parva Adhyāya 26 — Duryodhana’s remnant formation and rapid engagements
विरथं तं समालक्ष्य विशिखैलोंमवाहिभि: । अवाकिरदमेयात्मा दर्शयन् पाणिलाघवम्,अमेय आत्मबलसे सम्पन्न भीमसेन श्रुतर्वाको रथहीन हुआ देख अपने हाथोंकी फुर्ती दिखाते हुए उसके ऊपर पक्षियोंके पंखसे युक्त होकर उड़नेवाले बाणोंकी वर्षा करने लगे
virathaṁ taṁ samālakṣya viśikhair lomavāhibhiḥ | avākirad ameyātmā darśayan pāṇilāghavam ||
Sañjaya said: Seeing him bereft of his chariot, the immeasurable warrior—displaying the swiftness of his hands—showered him with arrows, their shafts feathered with plumes like a bird’s wings.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights martial alertness and dexterity: when circumstances shift (an opponent becomes chariotless), a capable warrior exploits the opening through speed and skill. Ethically, it reflects the severe logic of kṣatriya warfare, where readiness and effective action are paramount amid the grim demands of battle.
Sañjaya describes a warrior noticing his opponent has become chariotless and then covering him with a rapid volley of feathered arrows, demonstrating exceptional hand-speed (pāṇilāghavam).