Shloka 15
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Sañjaya-saṃvādaḥ; madhyāhna-saṅgrāma-pravṛttiḥ
Dhritarashtra–Sanjaya dialogue and the midday battle escalation
तदपास्य धनुश्छिन्नं विराटो वाहिनीपति: । अन्यदादत्त वेगेन धनुर्भारसहं दृढम्,सेनापति विराटने वह कटा हुआ धनुष फेंककर वेगपूर्वक दूसरे सुदृढ़ धनुषको हाथमें लिया, जो भार सहन करनेमें समर्थ था
tad apāsya dhanuś chinnaṃ virāṭo vāhinīpatiḥ | anyad ādatta vegena dhanur bhārasahaṃ dṛḍham ||
Sañjaya said: Casting aside that bow which had been cut, Virāṭa, the commander of the host, swiftly seized another firm bow—one capable of bearing heavy strain. The scene underscores the warrior’s resolve: when a weapon fails, steadiness of purpose and readiness to continue one’s duty in battle must not falter.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness in one’s appointed duty: external setbacks (like a broken weapon) should not shake inner resolve; a responsible warrior adapts quickly and continues the task without panic.
Sañjaya narrates that Virāṭa’s bow has been cut; he discards it and immediately takes up another strong, load-bearing bow, signaling readiness to continue fighting.