Shloka 38
शिखण्डी तु भृशं राज॑स्ताड्यमान: शितै: शरै: । आरुरोह रथं तूर्ण माधवस्य महात्मन:,राजन! अभश्व॒त्थामाके तीखे बाणोंसे अत्यन्त घायल होकर शिखण्डी तुरंत ही महामना सात्यकिके रथपर चढ़ गया
śikhaṇḍī tu bhṛśaṃ rājan stāḍyamānaḥ śitaiḥ śaraiḥ | ārurōha rathaṃ tūrṇaṃ mādhavasya mahātmanaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: O King, Śikhaṇḍī, being grievously struck and wounded by sharp arrows, quickly mounted the chariot of the noble Mādhava. The scene underscores the harsh immediacy of battle, where survival and duty compel swift movement and reliance on allies even amid severe injury.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the ethics of epic warfare, endurance and presence of mind are essential: even when grievously wounded, a warrior must act decisively and rely on comrades. The verse highlights duty under pressure and the practical dharma of mutual support on the battlefield.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Śikhaṇḍī has been severely hit by sharp arrows and, to continue the fight or seek tactical safety, quickly climbs onto the chariot associated with Mādhava (a revered figure/epithet), indicating a rapid shift of position amid intense combat.