Shloka 37
पातयन् समरे राजन् युगान्ताग्निरिव ज्वलन् | वैशम्पायनजी कहते हैं--राजन्! उस समय द्रोणाचार्यका प्रिय करनेके लिये उद्यत हुए पाण्डुनन्दन अर्जुन द्रुपदपर बाणसमूहोंकी वर्षा करते हुए उनपर चढ़ आये। वे रणभूमिमें घोड़ों, रथों और हाथियोंके झुंडोंका सब ओरसे संहार करते हुए प्रलयकालीन अग्निके समान प्रकाशित हो रहे थे || ३५-३६ $ ।। ततस्ते हन्यमाना वै पाउ्चाला: सृञज्जयास्तथा,उनके बाणोंसे घायल हुए पांचाल और संजय वीरोंने तुरंत ही नाना प्रकारके बाणोंकी वर्षा करके अर्जुनको सब ओरसे ढक दिया और मुखसे सिंहनाद करते हुए उनसे लोहा लेना आरम्भ किया
pātayan samare rājan yugāntāgnir iva jvalan |
Vaiśampāyana said: O King, in the thick of battle, Arjuna—blazing like the fire at the end of an age—rained down arrows, striking down foes as he advanced. Seeking to fulfill Droṇa’s wish, he pressed upon Drupada, cutting through masses of horses, chariots, and elephants, and shone on the field like a conflagration of dissolution.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse frames martial prowess within a web of obligations: Arjuna’s ferocity is not mere rage but purposeful action aimed at fulfilling his teacher Droṇa’s desire. It highlights the Mahābhārata’s recurring tension between loyalty to one’s guru and the ethical weight of violence undertaken to satisfy that loyalty.
In the campaign against Drupada, Arjuna advances in battle, showering arrows and felling opponents, described with apocalyptic imagery (like the fire at the end of an age). He moves against Drupada’s forces—Pāñcālas and Sṛñjayas—devastating formations of horses, chariots, and elephants as he closes in.