Shloka 10
अभिमन्युना दुःशासनस्य ताडनम्
Abhimanyu’s Rebuke and Wounding of Duḥśāsana; Karṇa’s Counter-volley
घट्टयन्निव मर्माणि पुत्रस्य तव भारत । अभिमन्युं रणे दृष्टवा तदा रणविशारदम्,तदनन्तर परम बुद्धिमान् और प्रतापी वीर द्रोणाचार्यके नेत्र हर्षसे खिल उठे। भारत! उन्होंने युद्धविशारद अभिमन्युको युद्धमें स्थित देखकर आपके पुत्रके मर्मस्थलपर चोट करते हुए-से उस समय तुरंत ही कृपाचार्यको सम्बोधित करके कहा--
sañjaya uvāca |
ghaṭṭayann iva marmāṇi putrasya tava bhārata |
abhimanyum raṇe dṛṣṭvā tadā raṇaviśāradam |
tad-anantaraṁ parama-buddhimān ca pratāpī vīro droṇācāryaḥ netre harṣeṇa khilī-babhūva |
bhārata! sa yuddha-viśāradaṁ abhimanyum yuddhe sthitaṁ dṛṣṭvā tava putrasya marma-sthaleṣu prahāram iva kurvan tat-kṣaṇāt kṛpācāryaṁ sambodhyovāca ||
Sañjaya said: “O Bhārata, as though striking at the vital points of your son, when Droṇa saw Abhimanyu—skilled in battle—standing firm in the fight, the supremely intelligent and mighty hero’s eyes brightened with delight. Seeing the young warrior established in combat, Droṇa at once addressed Kṛpa, speaking in a way that seemed to press upon the vulnerable nerve-centres of your son’s cause.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how warfare is not only physical but also psychological: a commander’s words can ‘strike vital points’ by exposing weaknesses, shaping morale, and directing strategy. It also underscores the ethical tension of elders taking delight in a youth’s prowess while planning measures that may endanger him—raising questions about dharma in war.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Droṇa, seeing Abhimanyu firmly engaged and proving himself a formidable fighter, becomes pleased and immediately turns to speak to Kṛpa. The narration suggests Droṇa’s response is strategically aimed at undermining Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s son’s position by targeting the ‘weak points’ of their side.