Shloka 19
Kuntī–Sūrya-saṃvāda: Autonomy, Reputation, and the Promise of Karṇa
अविध्यदिन्द्रजित् तीक्ष्णैः सौमित्रिं मर्मभेदिभि: । सौमित्रिश्वानलस्पर्शरविध्यद् रावर्णिं शरै:,इन्द्रजितने तीखे तथा मर्मभेदी बाणोंद्वारा सुमित्रा-कुमार लक्ष्मणको बींध डाला। इसी प्रकार लक्ष्मणने भी अग्निके समान दाहक स्पर्शवाले तीखे सायकोंद्वारा रावणकुमार इन्द्रजित्कों घायल कर दिया
avidhyad indrajit tīkṣṇaiḥ saumitriṁ marmabhedibhiḥ | saumitriś cānalasparśair avidhyad rāvarṇiṁ śaraiḥ ||
Dijo Mārkaṇḍeya: Indrajit atravesó a Saumitri (Lakṣmaṇa), hijo de Sumitrā, con flechas agudas que herían los puntos vitales. Saumitri, a su vez, hirió a Indrajit, hijo de Rāvaṇa, con saetas aceradas cuyo contacto abrasaba como el fuego; así, en el fragor de la batalla, cada guerrero respondía al otro.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma in its stark form: steadfast courage and immediate response in battle, where skill and resolve are tested without hesitation. It also underscores the ethical gravity of warfare—strikes to vital points are decisive and dangerous, reminding the listener of the high stakes and responsibility inherent in combat.
In the midst of a fierce fight, Indrajit shoots Lakṣmaṇa with sharp, vital-point-piercing arrows. Lakṣmaṇa retaliates at once, wounding Indrajit with arrows described as having a burning, fire-like touch.