Shloka 69
अध्याय ५८ — वानरध्वजस्य महेन्द्रास्त्रप्रयोगः
Chapter 58: Arjuna’s Deployment of the Indra-Weapon
ततः शतसहस््राणि शराणां नतपर्वणाम् | युगपत् प्रापतंस्तत्र द्रोणस्प रथमन्तिकात्,तत्पश्चात् एक ही साथ झुकी हुई गाँठवाले एक लाख बाण द्रोणाचार्यके रथके समीप आ गिरे। जनमेजय! गाण्डीवधन्वा अर्जुनके द्वारा जब द्रोणपर इस प्रकार बाणवर्षा होने लगी, तब कौरव-सैनिकोंमें भारी हाहाकार मच गया
tataḥ śatasahasrāṇi śarāṇāṃ nataparvaṇām | yugapat prāpatāṃs tatra droṇasya ratham antikāt ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Then, all at once, a hundred thousand arrows—each with bent joints—fell there near Droṇa’s chariot. As Arjuna, wielder of the Gāṇḍīva, unleashed this relentless shower upon Droṇa, a great cry of alarm and confusion arose among the Kaurava soldiers.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring Mahābhārata insight: in war, technical mastery and decisive action can instantly shift collective morale. It also cautions that power displayed without restraint can generate widespread fear—an ethical reminder that strength carries responsibility even within kṣatriya warfare.
Arjuna, wielding the Gāṇḍīva, releases an overwhelming volley—described as a hundred thousand arrows—falling near Droṇa’s chariot. The intensity of this attack triggers panic and loud outcry among the Kaurava troops.