Shloka 20
Bhīṣma–Arjuna Strategic Engagement at Virāṭa’s Frontier (भीष्मार्जुनयुद्धम्)
उत्सृज्य च महाबाहुद्रोंणपुत्रं धनंजय: । अभिदु॒द्राव सहसा कर्णमेव सपत्नजित्,तब शत्रुविजयी महाबाहु धनंजयने द्रोणपुत्रको वहीं छोड़कर सहसा कर्णपर ही धावा किया
utsṛjya ca mahābāhu-droṇaputraṁ dhanañjayaḥ | abhidudrāva sahasā karṇam eva sapatnajit ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Dejando de lado al hijo de Droṇa, de brazos poderosos, Dhanañjaya (Arjuna), vencedor de sus rivales, se lanzó de inmediato, de frente, contra Karṇa.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores decisive action aligned with a warrior’s duty: in battle one must prioritize the most pressing threat and act without hesitation, while maintaining focus and courage.
Arjuna stops engaging Droṇa’s son (Aśvatthāmā) and immediately charges toward Karṇa, indicating a shift in target and battlefield priority.