Shloka 121
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
परीतसतत्त्वा: सहसा निपेतु: किरीटिना भिन्नतनुत्रकाया: । दृढं हता: पत्रिभिरुग्रवेगै: पार्थेन भल्लैविमलै: शिताग्रै:
sañjaya uvāca |
parītasatattvāḥ sahasā nipetuḥ kirīṭinā bhinnatanutrākāyāḥ |
dṛḍhaṃ hatāḥ patribhir ugravegaiḥ pārthena bhallair vimalaiḥ śitāgraiḥ ||
Sañjaya dit : Les guerriers tombèrent d’un seul coup—leurs cuirasses et leurs corps fendus par Arjuna, le diadémé. Frappés à mort avec certitude par Pārtha, sous ses flèches bhalla, pures, aux pointes tranchantes, ailées et lancées avec une vitesse terrible, ils s’effondrèrent dans ce choc effroyable.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the stark ethical tension of dharma in war: a righteous warrior’s skill can be unwavering and decisive, yet its immediate fruit is the sudden destruction of bodies and lives. It invites reflection on responsibility, restraint, and the heavy cost borne even in duty-bound combat.
Sañjaya describes Arjuna’s devastating archery on the battlefield: with swift, sharp, feathered bhalla arrows he splits armour and bodies, causing enemy fighters to lose strength and consciousness and to fall dead at once.