Shloka 48
भीष्मस्य अप्रतिमपराक्रमः — शिखण्डिपुरस्कृतः प्रहारः
Bhīṣma’s unmatched momentum and the assault with Śikhaṇḍin in the lead
शरै: सुनिशितै: पार्थ यथा वृत्र पुरंदर: । निर्बिभेद महाकायो विव्यथे नैव चार्जुन:,प्रजानाथ! तदनन्तर होश-हवास ठीक होनेपर आपके पराक्रमी एवं शूरवीर पुत्र दुःशासनने पुनः अत्यन्त तीखे बाणोंद्वारा कुन्तीकुमार अर्जुनको रोका, मानो इन्द्रने वृत्रासुरकी गतिको अवरुद्ध कर दिया हो। महाकाय दुःशासनने अर्जुनको अपने बाणोंसे क्षत-विक्षत कर दिया; परंतु वे तनिक भी व्यथित नहीं हुए
śaraiḥ suniśitaiḥ pārtha yathā vṛtra-puraṃdaraḥ | nirbibheda mahākāyo vivyathe naiva cārjunaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: With razor-sharp arrows, the mighty (warrior) struck at Arjuna, O Pārtha, as Indra the slayer of Vṛtra checks and overpowers Vṛtra. Though pierced and cut by those shafts, Arjuna did not waver or feel distress at all—showing steadfastness amid the violence of battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights heroic steadiness: even when physically wounded, a disciplined warrior does not lose composure. Ethically, it underscores kṣatriya fortitude—enduring hardship without surrendering to fear or agitation.
Sañjaya describes Arjuna being struck by extremely sharp arrows, compared to Indra overpowering Vṛtra. Despite being pierced, Arjuna remains unshaken and shows no visible distress.