Shloka 24
भीष्मवधाय प्रयाणम् — The Advance toward Bhīṣma and Counter-Engagements
चित्रसेनो विकर्णश्ष कार्ष्णि पञचभिरायसै: । विव्याध तेन चाकम्पत् कार्ष्णिमिरुरिव स्थित:
sañjaya uvāca | citraseno vikarṇaś ca kārṣṇiṃ pañcabhir āyasaiḥ | vivyādha tena cākampat kārṣṇir merur iva sthitaḥ ||
Sañjaya berkata: Citrasena dan Vikarna menembus Kārṣṇi (Abhimanyu) dengan lima anak panah besi. Namun putra Arjuna itu tidak goyah; ia tegak laksana Gunung Meru.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness under assault: true valor is not merely striking the enemy but maintaining composure and resolve when wounded. The Meru simile frames ethical courage as inner stability amid external chaos.
During the battle, Chitrasena and Vikarna shoot Abhimanyu (Kārṣṇi) with five iron arrows. Despite being pierced, he remains unmoved and continues to stand firm, compared to the immovable Mount Meru.