Shloka 44
शिखण्डिनं याज्ञसेनिं रुन्धानमपराजितम् । बाह्लीक: प्रतिसंयत्त: पराक्रान्तमवारयत्,किसीसे परास्त न होनेवाले पराक्रमी यज्ञसेन-कुमार शिखण्डीको, जो राह रोककर खड़ा था, बाह्लीकने पूर्ण प्रयत्नशील होकर रोका
śikhaṇḍinaṃ yājñaseniṃ rundhānam aparājitam | bāhlīkaḥ pratisaṃyattaḥ parākrāntam avārayat ||
Sañjaya said: Bāhlīka, fully resolved and exerting himself, checked Śikhaṇḍin—the son of Yājñasena—who stood barring the way, a valiant warrior not easily overcome. In the press of battle, one steadfast fighter meets another, turning the conflict into a test of resolve and duty rather than mere force.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya resolve: in war, duty is enacted through steadfast resistance and disciplined effort. Ethical emphasis lies in meeting opposition directly—checking an advancing foe not out of personal spite but as a function of one’s role in the larger order of battle.
Śikhaṇḍin, described as unconquered and powerful, is blocking the way. Bāhlīka, fully prepared and striving, confronts him and prevents his advance, creating a direct clash between two determined warriors.