Shloka 186
भीमसेनस्य वेगाभिपातः—विशोकसारथिसंवादश्च
Bhīma’s surge and dialogue with charioteer Viśoka
द्रौणायनि त्रिभिर्विद्ध्वा विव्याधान्यैः शितै: शरै: । तब महारथी श्रुतकीर्तिने दूसरा धनुष लेकर द्रोणकुमारको पहले तीन बाणोंसे घायल करके फिर दूसरे-दूसरे पैने बाणोंद्वारा बींध डाला
drauṇāyaniṃ tribhir viddhvā vivyādhānyaiḥ śitaiḥ śaraiḥ |
Sañjaya said: Having pierced Drauṇāyani with three arrows, the great chariot-warrior Śrutakīrti then struck him again with other keen shafts—pressing the assault without pause amid the ruthless ethics of battlefield duty.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse reflects the Mahābhārata’s portrayal of kṣatriya-dharma in war: once engaged, a warrior is expected to act decisively and effectively, even when the act is harsh. It highlights disciplined execution of duty rather than personal malice, while implicitly inviting reflection on the moral cost of relentless violence.
Sañjaya reports that Śrutakīrti, a great chariot-warrior, first wounds Drauṇāyani (Aśvatthāman) with three arrows and then continues to pierce him with additional sharp arrows, intensifying the exchange in the ongoing battle.