Shloka 23
Śalya-parva Adhyāya 26 — Duryodhana’s remnant formation and rapid engagements
सतु राजन् धनुश्कछित्त्वा पाण्डवस्य महामृथे । अथीैनं छिन्नथन्वानं विंशत्या समवाकिरत्,राजन्! उसने उस महासमरमें पाण्डुपुत्रके धनुषको काटकर कटे हुए धनुषवाले भीमसेनको बीस बाणोंसे घायल कर दिया
sa tu rājan dhanuś chittvā pāṇḍavasya mahāmṛdhe | athainaṃ chinnadhanvānaṃ viṃśatyā samavākirat ||
संजय बोले—राजन्! उस महासमर में उसने पाण्डव के धनुष को काट दिया; फिर कटे हुए धनुषवाले भीमसेन को बीस बाणों से आच्छादित कर घायल कर दिया।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of decisive martial skill: disabling an opponent’s weapon can shift the battle’s balance, yet the struggle continues within the harsh, duty-bound framework of war where prowess and resolve are constantly tested.
In the midst of a major engagement, a warrior cuts the Pāṇḍava’s bow; then, as the Pāṇḍava stands with his bow severed, he is struck by a volley of twenty arrows.