Shloka 17
स तद् गृहा धनुःश्रेष्ठ तस्थौ स्थानं समाहितः । विचकर्षाथ विधिवत् सशरं धनुरुत्तमम्
sa tad gṛhā dhanuḥśreṣṭha tasthau sthānaṃ samāhitaḥ | vicakarṣātha vidhivat saśaraṃ dhanuruttamam ||
Sañjaya said: Having reached that spot, the foremost archer stood firm, fully composed. Then, in due and disciplined manner, he drew back his excellent bow, already fitted with an arrow—signaling a deliberate, rule-bound readiness for the next act of battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in warfare, action is to be undertaken with self-control (samāhita) and in accordance with proper conduct (vidhivat). The verse highlights disciplined readiness rather than impulsive violence.
Sañjaya describes a foremost warrior taking his position, steadying his mind, and then drawing his bow with an arrow fitted—preparing to strike in the ongoing battle scene of the Droṇa Parva.