Shloka 10
Duryodhana’s Anxiety, Bhīṣma’s Reassurance, and Renewed Mobilization (दुर्योधनचिन्ता–भीष्मप्रत्याश्वासन–सेनानिर्गमनम्)
तस्य ते कवचं भित्त्वा पपु: शोणितमाहवे । न विव्यथे च निर्भिन्नो द्रौणिगाण्डीवधन्चना
tasya te kavacaṃ bhittvā papuḥ śoṇitam āhave | na vivyathe ca nirbhinno drauṇi-gāṇḍīva-dhanvanā ||
संजय बोले—वे बाण उसका कवच फाड़कर रणभूमि में उसका रक्त पीने लगे; पर गाण्डीवधारी अर्जुन से विदीर्ण होकर भी द्रोणपुत्र अश्वत्थामा तनिक भी व्यथित न हुआ।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh reality of war—injury and bloodshed—while also portraying the warrior ideal of endurance: even when wounded, a fighter may remain unshaken. Ethically, it invites reflection on how valor and steadfastness can coexist with the brutality that dharma must continually judge and restrain.
Sañjaya describes a combat moment where arrows break through a warrior’s armor and draw blood. Despite being pierced by Arjuna (the Gāṇḍīva-armed archer), Drauṇi/Aśvatthāmā does not show pain or agitation, indicating his fierce resilience in the battle.