अध्याय ८८ — घटोत्कच-दुर्योधनयुद्धवर्णनम्
Ghaṭotkaca–Duryodhana Engagement
स चापि दृष्टवा समुदीर्यमाण- मस्त्रं युगान्ताग्निसमप्रकाशम् । न सम्मुमोह द्रुपदस्य पुत्रो राजन महेन्द्रप्रतिमप्रभाव:,राजन्! प्रलयकालकी अग्निके समान तेजस्वी उस अस्त्रको प्रकट हुआ देखकर देवराज इन्द्रके समान प्रभावशाली द्रपदकुमार शिखण्डी घबराया नहीं
sa cāpi dṛṣṭvā samudīryamāṇam astram yugāntāgnisamaprakāśam | na sammumoha drupadasya putro rājan mahendrapratimaprabhāvaḥ ||
Wahai Raja, melihat senjata itu dilepaskan—menyala laksana api pada akhir zaman—Śikhaṇḍī, putra Drupada yang berwibawa setara Indra, sama sekali tidak kehilangan keteguhan hati.
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.