Shloka 48
त॑ विजित्यार्जुनस्तूर्ण द्रोणान्तिकमुपाययौ । किरजञज्शरगणान् राजन् नरवारणवाजिषु,राजन! उसे परास्त करके अर्जुन मनुष्यों, हाथियों तथा घोड़ोंपर बाणसमूहोंकी वर्षा करते हुए तुरंत ही द्रोणाचार्यके समीप चले गये
taṁ vijityārjunas tūrṇaṁ droṇāntikam upāyayau | kirann iṣu-śara-gaṇān rājan nara-vāraṇa-vājiṣu ||
Sañjaya said: Having overcome him, Arjuna swiftly advanced toward Droṇa. O King, as he moved, he rained volleys of arrows upon the warriors—men, elephants, and horses—pressing the battle forward with relentless force toward the commander he sought.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣātra-dharma in its stark form: decisive action, speed, and unwavering focus on one’s objective in battle. Ethically, it also underscores the tragic scale of war—Arjuna’s prowess affects not only rival warriors but also animals (elephants and horses), reminding the listener of the broad suffering inherent in armed conflict.
After defeating an opponent, Arjuna quickly advances toward Droṇācārya. As he moves, he showers arrows upon the enemy forces—men, elephants, and horses—clearing a path and intensifying the assault as he closes in on Droṇa.