Shloka 29
Chapter 12: Arjuna’s suppression of the Saṃśaptakas and duel with Aśvatthāmā
Drauṇi
क्ष्ेडितास्फोटितरवैर्बाणशब्दैस्तु सर्वतः । तौ जन हर्षयन्तौ च सिंहनादं प्रचक्रतु:,उन दोनों महारथियोंने युद्धस्थलमें एक-दूसरेके सुन्दर धनुष काटकर तुरंत ही सारथि और घोड़े भी मार डाले ।।
kṣeditāsphoṭita-ravair bāṇa-śabdais tu sarvataḥ | tau jana-harṣayantau ca siṃha-nādaṃ pracakratuḥ || virathāv asi-yuddhāya samājagmatūr āhave | śata-candra-cite gṛhya carmaṇī subhujī tathā ||
Sañjaya dijo: En medio del estrépito de choques y crujidos por doquier—el silbar y el golpear de las flechas—los dos héroes, deleitando a los guerreros que miraban, lanzaron rugidos de león. Tras cercenar los finos arcos del otro y matar con presteza a los aurigas y a los caballos, quedaron sin carros. Entonces, aquellos campeones de brazos poderosos, tomando escudos marcados con cien emblemas de luna y sus espadas, avanzaron en el campo de batalla para encontrarse, dispuestos al combate cuerpo a cuerpo.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethic of steadfastness and honor in battle: when chariot warfare collapses (bows cut, horses and charioteers slain), the warriors do not withdraw but adapt to a new mode of combat, meeting face-to-face with sword and shield. It also underscores how public acclaim and martial display (lion-roars) can intensify violence, reminding readers that valor and ethical restraint must be held in tension within dharma.
Sañjaya describes two great warriors whose bows are cut and whose charioteers and horses are killed, leaving them chariotless. They then take up shields decorated with many moon-like emblems and their swords, and advance toward each other to fight in close combat, accompanied by the loud din of arrows and their lion-like battle-cries.