Shloka 13
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 29 — Arjuna’s defeat of Vṛṣaka–Acalā and the neutralization of Śakuni’s māyā
व्यसृजत् तोमरान् मूर्श्नि श्वेताश्वस्पोन्ननाद च । तैरर्जुनस्थ समरे किरीटं परिवर्तितम्,उन्होंने श्वेतवाहन अर्जुनके मस्तकपर तोमरोंका प्रहार किया और जोरसे गर्जना की। उन तोमरोंने समरभूमिमें अर्जुनके किरीटको उलट दिया
vyasṛjat tomarān mūrdhni śvetāśvaspo 'nnanāda ca | tair arjunasya samare kirīṭaṃ parivartitam ||
Sañjaya said: He hurled spears at Arjuna’s head and roared loudly. Struck by those spears in the thick of battle, Arjuna’s crown was knocked askew—an image of the war’s ferocity, where even the foremost warrior’s royal insignia could be shaken, yet without implying a collapse of his resolve or righteousness.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the harsh reality of righteous warfare (kṣatriya-dharma): honor and status symbols (like a crown) can be physically shaken in battle, yet a warrior’s duty is measured by steadiness and resolve rather than outward insignia.
In Sañjaya’s report of the battle, spears are hurled at Arjuna’s head amid loud battle-cries; the impact dislodges or twists Arjuna’s crown/diadem on the battlefield.