Shloka 32
Śalya–Bhīma Gadāyuddham (मद्रराज-भीमसेन गदायुद्धम्)
तस्याश्वानातपत्र॑ च ध्वजं सूतमथो धनु: । निपात्य नकुलः संख्ये शड्खं दध्मौ प्रतापवान्,तब प्रतापी नकुलने उस युद्धस्थलमें शल्यके घोड़ों, छत्र, ध्वज, सारथि और धनुषको काट गिराया और विजयी होकर अपना शंख बजाया
tasyāśvān ātapatraṃ ca dhvajaṃ sūtam atho dhanuḥ | nipātya nakulaḥ saṅkhye śaṅkhaṃ dadhmau pratāpavān ||
Sañjaya said: In that battle, the valiant Nakula struck down his opponent’s horses, parasol, banner, charioteer, and bow; then, having asserted his mastery in combat, he blew his conch—an act that publicly signaled victory, steadiness of purpose, and unwavering resolve amid the moral gravity of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of disciplined prowess: victory is not merely personal triumph but a public, accountable act within the harsh ethical frame of war. The felling of royal emblems (parasol, banner) and the blowing of the conch underscore responsibility, resolve, and the formal codes by which battlefield success is recognized.
Sañjaya reports that Nakula, in the midst of combat, disables key elements of the enemy’s chariot-force—horses, royal parasol, banner, charioteer, and bow—thereby neutralizing the opponent’s mobility and status-symbols. After this decisive action, Nakula blows his conch to proclaim his victory and rally morale.