Shloka 17
द्रोणपर्व — पञ्चदशोऽध्यायः (Droṇa Parva, Chapter 15): युधिष्ठिर-रक्षा तथा अर्जुनस्य शरवृष्टिः
ताडिता भीमसेनेन शल्यस्य महती गदा । साग्निज्वाला महारीद्रा तदा तूर्णमशीर्यत,उस समय भीमसेनकी गदासे टकराकर शल्यकी विशाल एवं महाभयंकर गदा आगकी चिनगारियाँ छोड़ती हुई तत्काल छिन्न-भिन्न होकर बिखर गयी
tāḍitā bhīmasenena śalyasya mahatī gadā | sāgnijvālā mahārīdrā tadā tūṛṇam aśīryata ||
Sañjaya said: Struck by Bhīmasena, Śalya’s massive and terrifying mace—spitting sparks like fire—was at once shattered and scattered. The scene underscores how, in the fury of righteous battle, even the proud weapons of great warriors can be broken in a moment when met by superior force and resolve.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the fragility of external power—arms, pride, and intimidation—when confronted by superior strength and unwavering resolve in a dharmic battlefield context; it reminds that outcomes can turn instantly despite formidable appearances.
During the fighting, Bhīmasena strikes; as a result, Śalya’s huge, fearsome mace—described as flashing with fiery sparks—breaks apart immediately and scatters.