जयद्रथवधः — The Slaying of Jayadratha
Sunset Vow and Curse-Condition
अद्य मे क्षिप्रहस्तस्य क्षिपत: सायकोत्तमान् | अलातचक्रप्रतिमं धनुर्द्रक्ष्यन्ति कौरवा:,आज शीतघ्रतापूर्वक हाथ चलाकर उत्तम बाणोंका प्रहार करते हुए मेरे धनुषको कौरवलोग अलातचक्रके समान देखेंगे
adya me kṣiprahastasya kṣipataḥ sāyakottamān | alātacakrapratimaṃ dhanur drakṣyanti kauravāḥ ||
Hari ini, saat tanganku bergerak secepat kilat melepaskan anak panah terbaik, busurku akan tampak bagi para Kaurava berputar laksana lingkaran obor menyala.
सूत उवाच
The verse highlights the kṣatriya battlefield ethic of demonstrating skill and resolve: prowess is displayed not merely for personal pride but to affect morale and momentum in war—here through a vivid image of speed and controlled power.
The speaker (reported by the Sūta) declares that on this day the Kauravas will witness his extraordinary archery: his bow will seem to whirl like a circle of fire as he rapidly releases excellent arrows, signaling an escalation of combat.