Shloka 18
अर्जुन–उलूपीसंवादः
Arjuna and Ulūpī: Explanation of Śānti and the Maṇipūra Resolution
धनुश्नास्य महच्चित्रं क्षुरेण प्रचकर्त ह । हस्तावापं पताकां च ध्वजं चास्य न्यपातयत्,फिर उसके विशाल एवं विचित्र धनुषको क्षुरसे काट डाला और उसके दस्ताने, पताका तथा ध्वजाको भी धरतीपर काट गिराया
Vaiśampāyana uvāca |
dhanuṣṇāsya mahac citraṃ kṣureṇa pracakarta ha |
hastāvāpaṃ patākāṃ ca dhvajaṃ cāsya nyapātayat ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Con un arma de filo como navaja, cortó en dos el gran y maravilloso arco de aquel guerrero; y también derribó a tierra sus guardamanos, su bandera y su estandarte.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined martial conduct: true prowess can be shown by disabling an enemy’s capacity to fight (cutting bow, banner, standard) rather than pursuing gratuitous killing—an ethical restraint aligned with dharma even in warfare.
In the course of combat, a warrior uses a razor-edged weapon to sever the opponent’s large, remarkable bow and to bring down his protective hand-gear, banner, and standard, effectively disarming and humiliating his fighting posture.