Shloka 24
Bhīṣma–Karṇa Saṃvāda on the Śaraśayyā (भीष्म–कर्ण संवादः शरशय्यायाम्)
ततो बर्हिणवाजानामयुतानन््यर्बुदानि च । धनंजयरयथे तूर्ण पातयन्ति सम भूमिपा:,एकैकं त्रिभिरानर्च्छत् कड़ुकबर्हिणवाजितै: । उसके बाद सुशर्मा और कृपाचार्यको भी तीन-तीन बाणोंसे बींध डाला। राजेन्द्र! फिर समरांगणमें प्राग्ज्योतिषनरेश भगदत्त, सिन्धुराज जयद्रथ, चित्रसेन, विकर्ण, कृतवर्मा, दुर्मीषण तथा महारथी विन्द और अनुविन्द--इनमैंसे प्रत्येकको गीधकी पाँखसे युक्त तीन- तीन बाणोंद्वारा विशेष पीड़ा दी तब बहुत-से भूमिपाल मिलकर तुरंत ही अर्जुनके रथपर मोरपंखयुक्त अनेक अयुत एवं अर्बुद बाणोंकी वर्षा करने लगे
tato barhiṇavājānām ayutāny arbudāni ca | dhanañjaya-rathe tūrṇaṁ pātayanti sma bhūmipāḥ || ekaikaṁ tribhir ānarccchat kaḍuka-barhiṇavājitaiḥ |
Sañjaya said: Then many kings, acting together, swiftly rained down upon Dhanañjaya’s chariot countless arrows—by the tens of thousands and even by crores—adorned with peacock-feathered shafts. Arjuna, however, met each of those opponents in turn, striking them with three sharp arrows fitted with peacock feathers, inflicting distinct pain and checking their advance. The scene underscores the battlefield ethic of concentrated resistance: even amid massed assault, the warrior’s duty is steadiness, precision, and restraint directed toward disabling the foe rather than mere slaughter.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadiness and disciplined response under overwhelming pressure: even when many rulers unleash a massive volley, the righteous warrior maintains focus and counters with measured, effective force—an ethic of duty (kṣatriya-dharma) expressed through control, precision, and courage.
Sañjaya describes a coordinated attack in which numerous kings shower Arjuna’s chariot with vast numbers of peacock-feathered arrows. Arjuna answers by striking each adversary with three keen arrows, causing them pain and halting their momentum despite the massed assault.