Shloka 7
Āśvamedhika Parva, Adhyāya 77 — Saindhava resistance, Arjuna’s restraint, and Duḥśalā’s supplication
ते किरन्त: शरव्रातान् वारणप्रतिवारणान् । रणे जयमभीप्सन्त: कौन्तेयं पर्यवारयन् ७ ।।
te kirantaḥ śaravrātān vāraṇaprativāraṇān | raṇe jayam abhīpsantaḥ kaunteyaṃ paryavārayan 7 ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Lanzando descargas de flechas—tan densas que podían frenar incluso el avance de los elefantes—aquellos guerreros, ansiosos de victoria en la batalla, cercaron al hijo de Kuntī. La escena muestra cómo la ambición marcial puede endurecerse en presión colectiva, poniendo a prueba la firmeza de un héroe ante una fuerza abrumadora.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension in warfare: the drive for victory can become an overpowering collective force, yet the dharmic ideal for a kṣatriya is steadiness and disciplined courage even when surrounded and outnumbered.
A group of fighters rains down heavy volleys of arrows—described as capable of stopping even elephants—and, intent on winning the battle, they encircle Kaunteya (Arjuna) on the battlefield.