अध्याय ८८ — घटोत्कच-दुर्योधनयुद्धवर्णनम्
Ghaṭotkaca–Duryodhana Engagement
स चापि दृष्टवा समुदीर्यमाण- मस्त्रं युगान्ताग्निसमप्रकाशम् । न सम्मुमोह द्रुपदस्य पुत्रो राजन महेन्द्रप्रतिमप्रभाव:
sa cāpi dṛṣṭvā samudīryamāṇam astram yugāntāgnisamaprakāśam | na sammumoha drupadasya putro rājan mahendrapratimaprabhāvaḥ ||
राजन्! प्रलयकाल की अग्नि के समान तेजस्वी उस अस्त्र को प्रकट होते देखकर भी देवराज इन्द्र के समान प्रभावशाली द्रुपदकुमार शिखण्डी तनिक भी विचलित नहीं हुआ।
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights inner steadiness under extreme threat: true prowess includes not being mentally shaken by fearsome displays of power. In a dharmic war context, composure and resolve are portrayed as essential virtues alongside martial skill.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that a terrifying, blazing weapon is being unleashed. Despite its apocalyptic brilliance, Śikhaṇḍin (Drupada’s son) remains unbewildered and stands firm.