Shloka 26
हतो<पि दीप्ततेजा: स जीवन्निव हि दृश्यते । घातितस्य शिरांस्थाजौ जीवन्तीवाद्भुतानि वै
hato 'pi dīptatejāḥ sa jīvann iva hi dṛśyate | ghātitasya śirāṃsthājau jīvantīvādbhūtāni vai ||
Even though he has been slain, that man of blazing energy is seen as if still alive. In the body of the killed one, the vital channels and the life-breath seem to persist—marvels indeed—so striking is the lingering appearance of vitality after a violent death.
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how extraordinary valor and inner radiance can leave an impression of life even after death, prompting reflection on the awe and moral gravity surrounding violent acts in war.
Śalya remarks on a slain warrior whose appearance still seems alive; he describes it as a wondrous phenomenon, as though the vital channels and life-breath linger despite the killing.