Shloka 72
Nakula–Śakuni Duel and the Night Battle; Śikhaṇḍin–Kṛpa Engagement (नकुल-शकुनियुद्धं तथा रात्रियुद्धवर्णनम्)
पार्थबाहुविसृष्ट: स महोल्केव नभश्ष्युता सखडूगं यज्ञशीलस्य साड्ुदं बाहुमच्छिनत्,अर्जुनकी भुजाओंसे छोड़े गये उस क्षुरप्रने आकाशसे गिरी हुई बहुत बड़ी उल्काके समान उन यज्ञशील भूरिश्रवाकी बाजूबंदविभूषित (दाहिनी) भुजाको खड्गसहित काट गिराया
sañjaya uvāca |
pārtha-bāhu-visṛṣṭaḥ sa mahā-ulkā iva nabhaḥ-ścyutā sa-khaḍgaṃ yajña-śīlasya sāṅgadaṃ bāhum acchinat |
Sanjaya said: Released from Arjuna’s arm, that razor-edged missile—like a great meteor fallen from the sky—severed the sacrificially devoted Bhūriśravas’s right arm, adorned with an armlet, cutting it down together with the sword. The scene underscores how, amid the fury of war, even the pious are not spared when the contest turns to ruthless, decisive blows.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral tension of war: personal piety and ritual virtue do not guarantee safety when combat escalates. It invites reflection on dharma in battle—how decisive violence can collide with ideals of righteousness, and how outcomes may appear harsh even when framed as necessary within the larger conflict.
Sanjaya describes Arjuna’s razor-like weapon, hurled from his arm, striking Bhūriśravas and severing his right arm—still bearing an armlet—and cutting it off along with the sword he held. The simile of a meteor emphasizes the speed, force, and inevitability of the blow.