Shloka 23
अध्याय ३१ — द्रोणानीके तुमुलसंग्रामः
The Tumultuous Battle around Droṇa’s Formation
तेनापि विद्ध:ः सहसा दौणिर्भल्लै: शितैस्त्रिभि: । धनुर्ध्वजं च छत्र॑ं च द्विषतः स न्यकृन्तत,उनके द्वारा घायल होकर अभश्वत्थामाने सहसा तीन तीखे भल्लोंद्वारा अपने शत्रु नीलके धनुष, ध्वज तथा छत्रको काट डाला
tenāpi viddhaḥ sahasā dauṇir bhallaiḥ śitais tribhiḥ | dhanur-dhvajaṃ ca chatraṃ ca dviṣataḥ sa nyakṛntata ||
Meski telah tertusuk olehnya, putra Droṇa, Aśvatthāmā, seketika membalas: dengan tiga anak panah bhalla yang tajam ia menebas busur, panji, dan payung kebesaran milik musuhnya, Nīla.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In battlefield ethics, disabling an opponent’s capacity and symbols of command (bow, banner, parasol) demonstrates tactical mastery and psychological dominance; the verse highlights swift retaliation and the martial priority of neutralizing leadership and morale rather than merely inflicting injury.
After being wounded, Aśvatthāman immediately counters and, using three sharp bhalla arrows, severs his enemy Nīla’s bow, banner, and parasol—depriving him of weapons and the visible marks of authority in the midst of the Drona Parva battle.