Shloka 31
स तान् मोघांस्तस्य कुर्वन् शरौघां- श्वचार मार्गान् नकुलश्षित्ररूपान्
sa tān moghāṁs tasya kurvan śaraughān vicāra-mārgān nakulaḥ citra-rūpān | narendra khaḍga-vicitra-hastaiḥ śīghratayā vicaran nakulasya sahasra-tārāṅkitaṁ phalakam karṇa-putreṇa mahāyuddhe vipulaiḥ śaraiḥ nāśitam ||
Dijo Sañjaya: Nakula, haciendo inútiles las andanadas de flechas disparadas contra él, comenzó a moverse por trayectorias prodigiosas, mostrando asombrosas maniobras en la batalla. Oh rey, mientras Nakula se desplazaba con rapidez, exhibiendo un intrincado juego de espada, el hijo de Karṇa, en aquel gran combate, hizo añicos el escudo de Nakula, marcado con mil emblemas semejantes a estrellas, mediante sus enormes flechas.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma in practice: composure under attack, tactical intelligence, and disciplined skill. Ethically, it underscores that prowess in war is measured not only by striking but also by neutralizing harm—turning an opponent’s assault ‘mogha’ through alertness and method.
Nakula evades and nullifies incoming arrow-volleys with swift, unusual battlefield movements while displaying refined sword-handling. In response, Karṇa’s son (Vṛṣasena) counters decisively by shooting powerful arrows that smash Nakula’s star-marked shield during the great battle.