Shloka 146
अभिमन्युवधः
Abhimanyu’s Fall and the Battlefield Aftermath
त॑ विव्याधायसै: षड्भि: सोपाक्रामद् रथान्तरम् | उस समय अभिमन्युने शल्यके ध्वजको काटकर उनके दोनों पार्श्वरक्षकोंको भी मार डाला और उनको भी लोहेके बने हुए छः: बाणोंसे बींध दिया; फिर तो शल्य भागकर दूसरे रथपर चले गये
taṁ vivyādhāyasaiḥ ṣaḍbhiḥ sopākrāmad rathāntaram |
Sañjaya said: Abhimanyu pierced Śalya with six iron-tipped arrows. Having cut down his banner and slain the two guards stationed at his flanks, he forced Śalya to abandon that chariot and flee to another. The episode underscores the ruthless momentum of battle, where prowess and presence of mind decide survival, even for renowned warriors.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma in its starkest form: in war, a warrior must act decisively and skillfully, yet the scene also points to the moral weight of violence—victory is gained through force, and even famed fighters may be compelled to retreat when overpowered.
Abhimanyu overwhelms Śalya: he cuts down Śalya’s banner, kills the two flank-guards, and pierces Śalya with six iron arrows, after which Śalya abandons his chariot and escapes to another.