Shloka 50
Adhyāya 141 — Night duels: Śaineya and Bhūriśravas; Droṇi and Ghaṭotkaca; Bhīma and Duryodhana
तानन्तरिक्षे विशिखैस्त्रिधैिकैकमशातयत्
tān antarikṣe viśikhaiḥ tridhāikaṁ aśātayat
Sañjaya dit : Alors que le trait était encore en plein ciel, il le frappa de ses propres flèches et fendit ce projectile unique en trois. Le récit met en lumière la précision impitoyable de l’art guerrier—jusqu’au vol d’une arme, intercepté—montrant comment prouesse et vigilance tranchent, en un instant, entre la vie et la mort.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical tension of war: extraordinary skill and vigilance can neutralize threats instantly, yet such brilliance is exercised within a destructive context. It invites reflection on how human excellence (śaurya/kaushala) can serve either protection or devastation depending on the larger dharmic frame.
Sañjaya describes a combat moment where an incoming arrow, still flying through the air, is intercepted and split into three by counter-arrows—an image of elite archery and rapid tactical response on the battlefield.