Shloka 24
भीष्मवधाय प्रयाणम् — The Advance toward Bhīṣma and Counter-Engagements
चित्रसेनो विकर्णश्ष कार्ष्णि पञचभिरायसै: । विव्याध तेन चाकम्पत् कार्ष्णिमिरुरिव स्थित:,चित्रसेन और विकर्णने भी लोहेके पाँच बाणोंसे अभिमन्युको बींध डाला। उस आघातसे अर्जुनकुमार अभिमन्यु विचलित नहीं हुआ। मेरु पर्वतकी भाँति अडिग खड़ा रहा
sañjaya uvāca | citraseno vikarṇaś ca kārṣṇiṃ pañcabhir āyasaiḥ | vivyādha tena cākampat kārṣṇir merur iva sthitaḥ ||
Sanjaya said: Chitrasena and Vikarna struck Kārṣṇi (Abhimanyu) with five iron arrows. Yet, even under that blow, the son of Arjuna did not waver; he stood firm like Mount Meru—an image of steadfast courage and disciplined resolve amid the violence of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness under assault: true valor is not merely striking the enemy but maintaining composure and resolve when wounded. The Meru simile frames ethical courage as inner stability amid external chaos.
During the battle, Chitrasena and Vikarna shoot Abhimanyu (Kārṣṇi) with five iron arrows. Despite being pierced, he remains unmoved and continues to stand firm, compared to the immovable Mount Meru.