Shloka 42
भीष्मस्य अप्रतिमपराक्रमः — शिखण्डिपुरस्कृतः प्रहारः
Bhīṣma’s unmatched momentum and the assault with Śikhaṇḍin in the lead
अप्राप्तानेव तान् बाणांश्विच्छेद तनयस्तव । यतमानस्य पार्थस्य तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्,परंतु आपके पुत्रने अर्जुनके प्रयत्नशील होते हुए भी उन बाणोंको अपने पास आनेके पहले ही काट डाला। वह एक अद्भुत-सी बात थी
aprāptān eva tān bāṇān viccheda tanayas tava | yatamānasya pārthasya tad adbhutam ivābhavat ||
Sañjaya said: Even before those arrows could reach him, your son cut them down. Though Pārtha (Arjuna) was striving with full effort, this appeared almost miraculous—an astonishing display amid the battle’s relentless contest of skill and resolve.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the tension between human effort (Arjuna’s striving) and unexpected counter-force (the opponent’s extraordinary interception). Ethically, it underscores that in war, outcomes are not guaranteed by effort alone; skill, timing, and circumstance can overturn expectations, inviting humility and vigilance even for the righteous and capable.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s son (understood as Duryodhana) cut Arjuna’s arrows before they could reach their mark. Arjuna is described as actively exerting himself, yet the interception appears wondrous, emphasizing the intensity and high-level archery of the combat.