Shloka 37
त्रिपुरदाह-इतिहासः
Tripura-destruction exemplum and counsel to Śalya
स च्छिन्न: सहसा भूमौ निपपात महानसि: । अर्धमस्य स्थितं हस्ते सुत्सरोस्तत्र भारत,वह महान् खड़ग कटकर सहसा पृथ्वीपर गिर पड़ा। भारत! सुन्दर मूठवाले उस खड्गका आधा भाग सुतसोमके हाथमें ही रह गया
sa cchinnaḥ sahasā bhūmau nipapāta mahān asiḥ | ardham asya sthitaṃ haste sutsarostatra bhārata ||
Sañjaya said: The great sword, having been suddenly severed, fell to the ground at once. O Bhārata, there the half of that weapon—its portion with the fine hilt—still remained in Sutsoma’s hand. In the midst of battle, the verse underscores how swiftly power and advantage can be cut down, and how a warrior’s resolve is tested when his means are abruptly diminished.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a righteous warrior’s path, outcomes can change in an instant; the verse highlights the fragility of external supports (weapons, advantage) and the need for steadiness and resolve when circumstances abruptly turn.
During the fight, a great sword is suddenly cut; it drops to the ground, while half of it—apparently the portion with the hilt—remains in Sutsoma’s hand, marking a sharp turn in the immediate combat situation.