Shloka 69
त॑ चतुर्दशभि: पार्थों नाराचै: कड्कपत्रिभि: | साश्चवध्वजधनु:सूतं विव्याधाचिन्त्यविक्रम:,उस शक्तिके द्वारा गहरी चोट खाकर महातेजस्वी अर्जुन मूर्च्छित हो गये, फिर धीरे-धीरे सचेत हो अपने मुखके दोनों कोनोंको जीभसे चाटते हुए अचिन्त्य पराक्रमी पार्थने कंकके पाँखवाले चौदह नाराचोंद्वारा घोड़े, ध्वज, धनुष और सारथिसहित सुदक्षिणको घायल कर दिया
taṁ caturdaśabhiḥ pārtho nārācaiḥ kaṅkapatribhiḥ | sāśvadhvajadhanuḥsūtaṁ vivyādhācintyavikramaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Then the son of Pṛthā—Arjuna of inconceivable prowess—pierced him with fourteen nārāca arrows feathered with heron-plumes, wounding him together with his horses, banner, bow, and charioteer. The verse underscores the relentless escalation of battle: even after being struck down and regaining composure, Arjuna answers injury with precise, comprehensive retaliation aimed at disabling the opponent’s entire war-apparatus rather than merely trading blows.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Within the battlefield ethic of kṣatriya-dharma, the verse highlights disciplined retaliation: Arjuna’s response is not random rage but targeted disabling of the enemy’s combat system (horses, banner, bow, charioteer), showing controlled prowess and strategic intent amid violence.
Sañjaya narrates that Arjuna pierces his opponent with fourteen powerful nārāca arrows, striking not only the warrior but also the key components of his chariot unit—horses, standard, bow, and charioteer—thereby crippling his ability to fight effectively.