Shloka 35
अध्याय ५८ — वानरध्वजस्य महेन्द्रास्त्रप्रयोगः
Chapter 58: Arjuna’s Deployment of the Indra-Weapon
तस्याभवत् तदा रूप॑ संवृतस्य शरोत्तमै: । जाज्वल्यमानस्य तदा पर्वतस्येव सर्वतः,उत्तम बाणोंसे ढके हुए द्रोणाचार्यका स्वरूप उस समय ऐसा जान पड़ता था, मानो सब ओरसे जलता हुआ कोई पर्वत हो
tasyābhavat tadā rūpaṃ saṃvṛtasya śarottamaiḥ | jājvalyamānasya tadā parvatasyeva sarvataḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: At that time, when Droṇācārya was completely covered with excellent arrows, his appearance seemed like a mountain blazing on every side—an image that underscores how martial prowess, when driven to its peak, can make a single warrior appear awe-inspiring and fearsome, even as it signals the terrible intensity of battle.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the awe-inspiring yet terrifying spectacle of war: extraordinary skill and endurance can make a warrior appear radiant and formidable, but that very radiance is born from violence—inviting reflection on the cost and intensity of kṣatriya duty in battle.
Vaiśampāyana describes Droṇācārya in the midst of combat: he is so densely struck and covered by excellent arrows that his figure seems to blaze from every direction, compared to a mountain burning on all sides.