Shloka 22
नारायणास्त्र-शमनं द्रौणि-प्रहारश्च
Pacification of the Nārāyaṇāstra and Drauni’s Renewed Assault
गौतमं द्रुतमायान्तं द्रोणानीकमरिंदमम् । विव्याध नवभिर्भल्लै: शिखण्डी प्रहसन्निव,शत्रुओंको दमन करनेवाले, द्रोणरक्षक, गौतमगोत्रीय कृपाचार्यको शीघ्रतापूर्वक आते देख हँसते हुए-से शिखण्डीने उन्हें नौ भल्लोंसे बींध डाला
sa f1jaya uv01ca |
gautama drutam 01y01nta dro701n2bkam ari -damam |
vivy01dha navabhir bhallai7 5bikha7 2b prahasan iva ||
Sanjaya said: Seeing Kripa of the Gautama lineagethe protector of Dronas battle-array and a subduer of foesrushing forward, Shikhandi, as if laughing, pierced him with nine sharp arrows. The scene underscores the grim irony of war: even venerable guardians are struck down amid taunts and momentum, as duty and enmity collide on the battlefield.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh ethical tension of battlefield dharma: even respected elders and protectors (like Kripa) become targets when they stand within an opposing war-duty. It also shows how ridicule or apparent laughter can function as psychological force, intensifying the dehumanizing momentum of war.
Sanjaya reports that Shikhandi, noticing Kripaa key defender within Dronas formationcharging forward, shoots and pierces him with nine bhalla arrows, seemingly with a mocking or triumphant laugh.