Mahabharata — Bhishma Parva, Shloka 37
भीष्मस्य जलप्रार्थना — अर्जुनस्य पर्जन्यास्त्रप्रयोगः — दुर्योधनं प्रति सन्ध्युपदेशः
Bhīṣma’s request for water; Arjuna’s Parjanya-astra; counsel to Duryodhana on reconciliation
ते चापि रथिनां श्रेष्ठा भीमाय निशिताउ्छरान् । प्रेषयामासुरव्यग्रा: शतशो5थ सहस्रश:,रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ उन वीरोंने भी व्यग्रतारहित हो भीमसेनपर सैकड़ों और हजारोंकी संख्यामें तीखे बाण चलाये
te cāpi rathināṃ śreṣṭhā bhīmāya niśitān śarān | preṣayāmāsur avyagrāḥ śataśo 'tha sahasraśaḥ ||
Sañjaya dit : Ces premiers parmi les guerriers de char, sans trouble et sans agitation, décochèrent sur Bhīmasena des flèches acérées, par centaines puis par milliers.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ideal of steadiness (avyagratā) amid crisis: in the Mahābhārata’s war-ethic, disciplined composure is portrayed as a crucial virtue for kṣatriyas, even when actions are violent and consequences grave.
Sañjaya describes elite chariot-warriors directing a massive volley of sharp arrows at Bhīmasena, intensifying the combat by attacking him in overwhelming numbers.