Shloka 416
Karṇa-parva Adhyāya 58 — Arjuna’s Arrow-Storm and Relief of Bhīmasena
खड्गमादत्त विपुलं शतचन्द्रं च भानुमत् धनुष कट जाने और घोड़ों तथा सारथिके मारे जानेपर रथहीन हुए धृष्टद्युम्नने विशाल खड्ग और सौ चन्द्राकार चिह्नोंसे युक्त चमकती हुई ढाल हाथमें ले ली
khaḍgam ādatta vipulaṃ śatacandraṃ ca bhānumat | dhanuḥ khaṇḍaṃ ca jāne 'śvān sārathiṃ ca hataṃ tataḥ | rathahīno 'bhavad dhṛṣṭadyumno mahābalaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: When his bow was broken and his horses and charioteer had been slain, Dhṛṣṭadyumna—now without a chariot—took up a massive sword and a radiant shield marked with a hundred moon-like emblems. In the midst of ruin and loss, he chooses steadfast resistance rather than retreat, embodying the warrior’s resolve to continue the fight even when the usual supports of battle are destroyed.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya resolve: when conventional supports (chariot, bow, horses, charioteer) are lost, one does not abandon duty but adapts—taking up new weapons and continuing the struggle with steadiness and courage.
Dhṛṣṭadyumna’s bow is broken and his horses and charioteer are killed, leaving him chariotless. He responds by seizing a large sword and a shining shield marked with many moon-like emblems, preparing to fight on foot.