Shloka 67
द्रोणकर्णयोः निशि संप्रहारः — Night Engagement with Droṇa and Karṇa
शरै: पञ्चाशता वीर: फाल्गुनं प्रत्यविध्यत । तस्य तल्लाघवं दृष्टवा नामृष्यत रणेडर्जुन:,प्रतापी सूतपुत्र कर्णके सारे अंग खूनसे लथपथ हो गये, तथापि उस वीरने पचास बाणोंसे अर्जुनको भी घायल कर दिया। रणक्षेत्रमें उसकी यह फुर्ती देखकर अर्जुन सहन न कर सके
śaraiḥ pañcāśatā vīraḥ phālgunaṃ pratyavidhyata | tasya tallāghavaṃ dṛṣṭvā nāmṛṣyata raṇe 'rjunaḥ pratāpī ||
Sañjaya said: With fifty arrows that hero struck Phālguna (Arjuna). Seeing his swift skill on the battlefield, the mighty Arjuna could not endure it—his spirit flared, unwilling to tolerate such prowess from his opponent.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos: excellence in combat provokes a corresponding resolve in the worthy opponent. Ethically, it shows how prowess and competitive honor can intensify conflict, demanding self-mastery even amid justified martial duty.
A warrior hits Arjuna with fifty arrows. Arjuna observes the opponent’s remarkable speed and skill and becomes unable to remain indifferent—his competitive and martial resolve is stirred on the battlefield.