Shloka 6.58.36
प्रहस्तवधः (The Slaying of Prahasta)
उद्धूतइववायुःखेमहदभ्रबलंबलात् ।।6.58.35।।समीक्ष्याभिद्रुतंयुद्धेप्रहस्तोवाहिनीपतिः ।रथेनादित्यवर्णेननीलमेवाभिदुद्रुवे ।।6.58.36।।
sa dhanur-dhanvināṃ śreṣṭho vikṛṣya paramāhave |
nīlāya vyasṛjad bāṇān prahasto vāhinīpatiḥ ||6.58.37||
Prahasta, commander of the host—foremost among bowmen—drew his bow in that fierce combat and loosed arrows at Nīla.
Prahastha, the commander of the army darted, just as the violent wind blows away mass of clouds, observing Nila coming towards him, in his chariot which was bright as the sun.
It reflects the kṣātra code: skill and direct engagement. From a Dharmic lens, prowess is ethically neutral unless guided by satya and right purpose—this verse sets up the contest of strength that must be judged within the broader justice of the war.
Prahasta initiates the duel by shooting arrows at Nīla.
Dhanur-vidyā (mastery of archery) and commanding confidence.