Shloka 39
Arjuna’s Concentrated Archery and the Rout of the Kaurava Mahārathas
Gāṇḍīva-Nirghoṣa Episode
सच्छिन्नधन्वा विरथो हताश्वो हतसारथि: । गदापाणिरवसप्लुत्य तूर्ण चिक्षेप तां गदाम्
sacchinna-dhanvā viratho hatāśvo hata-sārathiḥ | gadā-pāṇir avasaplutya tūrṇaṃ cikṣepa tāṃ gadām |
Vaiśampāyana said: With his bow shattered, his chariot lost, his horses slain, and his charioteer killed, Kṛpācārya—gripping a mace—leapt down from the chariot and, without delay, hurled that mace at Arjuna.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when deprived of external supports (weapons, vehicle, allies), a warrior may persist in his chosen duty; yet the verse also highlights the moral pressure in war where determination can slide into harsher, more dangerous tactics, inviting reflection on restraint within dharma.
Kṛpācārya has lost his bow, chariot, horses, and charioteer. He jumps down, takes up a mace, and immediately hurls it at Arjuna, continuing the confrontation despite severe setbacks.