Shloka 161
वासवी-शक्तेः प्रयोगः, घटोत्कच-वधोत्तर-शोकः, व्यासोपदेशश्च
The Vāsavī Spear’s Use, Post-Ghaṭotkaca Grief, and Vyāsa’s Counsel
धृष्टद्युम्नरथं गत्वा भैमसेनिस्ततो मृष । धनुर्घोरंं समादाय महदिन्द्रायुधोपमम् । मुमोच निशितान् बाणान् पुनद्रौणेमहोरसि,नरेश्वरर! उस समय भीमसेनकुमारने धृष्टद्युम्मके रथपर आरूढ़ हो इन्द्रायुधके समान विशाल एवं घोर धनुष हाथमें लेकर अश्वत्थामाके विशाल वक्ष:स्थलपर बहुत-से तीखे बाण मारे
dhṛṣṭadyumnarathaṁ gatvā bhaimasenis tato mṛṣa | dhanur ghoraṁ samādāya mahad indrāyudhopamam | mumoca niśitān bāṇān punar drauṇe mahāurasi ||
Sañjaya said: Then, O king, Bhīma’s son mounted Dhṛṣṭadyumna’s chariot and, taking up a vast and fearsome bow like Indra’s thunderbolt, again released sharp arrows into the broad chest of Droṇa’s son (Aśvatthāmā). The scene underscores the relentless momentum of battle, where personal valor and loyalty to one’s side drive repeated assaults even amid escalating violence.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in war, duty-bound warriors often intensify conflict through repeated retaliation; it invites reflection on the ethical cost of relentless violence even when performed under the banner of loyalty and kṣatriya valor.
Bhīma’s son mounts Dhṛṣṭadyumna’s chariot, takes up a mighty bow likened to Indra’s weapon, and again shoots many sharp arrows into Aśvatthāmā’s broad chest, as Sañjaya reports to the king.