Shloka 9
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
अस्त्रैरस्त्राणि संवार्य द्विषतां सर्वतोर<्डर्जुन: । सम्यगस्तै: शरै: सर्वानहितानहनद् बहून्,अर्जुनने अपने अस्त्रोंद्वारा शत्रुओंके अस्त्रोंका सब ओरसे निवारण करके अच्छी तरह चलाये हुए बाणोंद्वारा समस्त विपक्षियोंमेंसे बहुतोंको मार डाला
astrair astrāṇi saṃvārya dviṣatāṃ sarvato 'rjunaḥ | samyag astaiḥ śaraiḥ sarvān ahitān ahanad bahūn ||
Sañjaya said: Arjuna, warding off the enemies’ missiles on every side with his own weapons, then—using well-aimed arrows—struck down many among all those hostile foes. The verse highlights disciplined martial skill used to neutralize aggression and protect one’s side in the righteous but tragic necessity of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even within warfare, action is portrayed as disciplined and responsive: Arjuna first neutralizes incoming harm and then acts decisively. The emphasis is on controlled skill and protective intent rather than uncontrolled violence.
Sañjaya describes Arjuna in battle: he counters the enemies’ missiles from all directions with his own weapons and then, with well-directed arrows, kills many of the opposing fighters.