Shloka 61
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
तमापतन्तं सहसा दृष्ट्वा प्राग्ज्योतिषो नृपः । चिक्षेप रुचिरं तीक्ष्णमर्धचन्द्रं सुदारुणम्,वह त्रिशूल चारों ओरसे आगकी चिनगारियोंके समूहसे घिरा हुआ था। उसे सहसा अपने ऊपर आते देख प्राग्ज्योतिषपुरके नरेश भगदत्तने अत्यन्त भयंकर तीक्ष्ण और सुन्दर एक अर्धचन्द्राकार बाण चलाया
tam āpatantaṁ sahasā dṛṣṭvā prāgjyotiṣo nṛpaḥ | cikṣepa ruciraṁ tīkṣṇam ardhacandraṁ sudāruṇam ||
Sañjaya said: Seeing that weapon rushing upon him all at once, the king of Prāgjyotiṣa hurled a beautiful, razor-sharp, exceedingly dreadful crescent-headed arrow. In the moral atmosphere of the war, the verse highlights alertness and swift counteraction as a kṣatriya’s battlefield duty—responding decisively to imminent danger without hesitation.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Within the kṣatriya framework of the Mahābhārata, the verse underscores vigilance and prompt, proportionate response to immediate threat—decisive action taken in the face of danger as part of one’s battlefield duty.
A weapon is seen rushing toward Bhagadatta, the king of Prāgjyotiṣa. Reacting instantly, he shoots/throws a fierce, sharp, crescent-headed arrow (ardhacandra) to counter it.