Shloka 21
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
तदायुधमहावर्ष मुक्त योधमहाम्बुदै: । व्यधमन्निशितैर्बाणै: क्षिप्रमर्जुनमारुत:,परंतु अर्जुनरूपी वायुने संशप्तक सैनिकरूपी महामेघोंद्वारा की हुई अस्त्र-शस्त्रोंकी उस महावृष्टिको तीखे बाणोंद्वारा छिन्न-भिन्न कर डाला
tadāyudha-mahāvarṣaṁ mukta-yodha-mahāmbudaiḥ | vyadhaman niśitaiḥ bāṇaiḥ kṣipram arjuna-mārutaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Then that great downpour of weapons, released by the mighty cloud-like host of warriors, was swiftly shattered and scattered by sharp arrows, as Arjuna—like a driving wind—broke the storm of missiles. The image underscores disciplined prowess: force is met not by rage, but by focused skill that protects one’s side amid the chaos of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in war, effectiveness is portrayed as disciplined mastery rather than uncontrolled fury: Arjuna counters an overwhelming barrage by precise, swift action, suggesting that right conduct in conflict relies on skill, steadiness, and protection of one’s duty-bound cause.
A massed group of warriors unleashes a heavy ‘rain’ of weapons; Arjuna, compared to a powerful wind, rapidly disperses that missile-storm by cutting it apart with sharp arrows.