Shloka 9
Droṇavadha-saṃniveśaḥ — The Convergence Toward Droṇa’s Fall
Book 7, Chapter 164
तावन्योन्यं शरै: कृत्तौ व्यराजेतां नरर्षभौ । सुपुष्पौ पुष्पसमये पुष्पिताविव किंशुकौ,वे दोनों नरश्रेष्ठ एक-दूसरेके बाणोंसे घायल होकर वसनन््त-ऋतुमें सुन्दर पुष्पवाले दो विकसित पलाशवृक्षोंके समान शोभा पा रहे थे
tāv anyonyaṃ śaraiḥ kṛttau vyarājetāṃ nararṣabhau | supuṣpau puṣpasamaye puṣpitāv iva kiṃśukau ||
Sañjaya dit : Ces deux héros, tels des taureaux parmi les hommes, tailladés et blessés par les flèches l’un de l’autre, brillaient d’un éclat saisissant—comme deux arbres kiṃśuka (la « flamme de la forêt ») au temps de la floraison, chargés de belles fleurs. Même au cœur des blessures réciproques, leur splendeur guerrière et leur constance au combat demeuraient visibles.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a classical epic ethic of kṣatriya conduct: even when harmed, a warrior maintains resolve and dignity. It also shows how the Mahābhārata frames battlefield suffering through aesthetic imagery, suggesting that courage and steadfastness can appear radiant even amid violence.
Sañjaya describes two opposing champions in close combat. Both are struck and cut by each other’s arrows, yet they continue to stand out in brilliance, compared to two kiṃśuka trees blooming in season.