Shloka 25
अर्जुनस्य द्रोणिप्रतिघातः कर्णोपसर्पणं च
Arjuna Checks Droṇaputra; Karṇa Advances
अथान्यद् धनुरादाय सुदृढं भीमविक्रम: । सज्यं वृकोदर: कृत्वा सुषेणस्याच्छिनद् धनु:,तदनन्तर भीषण पराक्रम प्रकट करनेवाले भीमसेनने दूसरा सुदृढ़ धनुष लेकर उसपर प्रत्यंचा चढ़ायी और सुषेणके धनुषको काट डाला
athānyad dhanur ādāya sudṛḍhaṃ bhīmavikramaḥ | sajyaṃ vṛkodaraḥ kṛtvā suṣeṇasyācchinad dhanuḥ ||
Sañjaya dit : Alors Bhīma, dont la vaillance était redoutable, saisit un autre arc robuste. L’ayant bandé et encordé, Vṛkodara trancha l’arc de Suṣeṇa — acte qui révèle l’élan inexorable du combat, où l’adresse et la résolution servent à priver l’adversaire de son moyen de lutter plutôt qu’à seulement échanger des coups.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the ethics of epic warfare, victory often comes through disciplined skill and tactical disabling of an adversary’s capacity to fight. The verse highlights resolve and competence directed toward neutralizing the opponent’s weapon, reflecting the kṣatriya emphasis on effective action in battle.
Bhīma takes up a second strong bow, strings it, and then severs Suṣeṇa’s bow, depriving him of his primary weapon and shifting the immediate balance of the duel.