Shloka 9
Nārāyaṇāstra-utpātaḥ — Aśvatthāman’s Rallying Roar after Droṇa’s Fall (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय १६७)
नकुलं॑ च युधां श्रेष्ठ सर्वयुद्धविशारदम् । शकुनि: सौबलो राजन् वारयामास सत्वर:
nakulaṃ ca yudhāṃ śreṣṭha sarvayuddhaviśāradam | śakuniḥ saubalo rājan vārayāmāsa satvaraḥ ||
Sañjaya said: O King, Śakuni, the son of Subala, swiftly checked Nakula as well—Nakula, foremost among warriors and skilled in every mode of combat. The scene underscores how, in the press of war, even renowned prowess is met by timely counter-moves, where strategy and interception can momentarily restrain valor.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In wartime action, personal valor alone does not decide outcomes; timely restraint and tactical interception can neutralize even a highly skilled warrior. The verse highlights the ethical tension of kṣatriya-dharma: courage must operate within the shifting realities of strategy and opposition.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Śakuni, acting swiftly, obstructs Nakula—praised as an excellent warrior and expert in all forms of combat—preventing his advance in the ongoing battle.