Shloka 13
Koṭikāśya’s Inquiry to the Radiant Woman near the Kadamba (कोटिकाश्यप्रश्नः)
ततः समन्तात् पश्याम: शरजालेन वेष्टितम् अमानुषाणि चास्त्राणि प्रमुड्चन्तं धनंजयम्,इसी समय हमने देखा, चारों ओर बाणोंका जाल-सा बन गया है और उससे वेष्टित हो अर्जुन अलौकिक अस्त्रोंकी वर्षा कर रहे हैं
tataḥ samantāt paśyāmaḥ śarajālena veṣṭitam | amānuṣāṇi cāstrāṇi pramudcantaṃ dhanaṃjayam ||
Duryodhana said: “Then we saw, on every side, a net as it were of arrows spread out; and within that encircling mesh Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) was unleashing a shower of superhuman weapons.” The line underscores the awe and alarm of the opposing side when righteous prowess, backed by extraordinary astras, overwhelms ordinary martial resistance.
दुर्योधन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how extraordinary power (amānuṣa astras) can decisively alter the moral-psychological landscape of conflict: it inspires awe and fear, reminding listeners that prowess and preparedness—especially when aligned with rightful purpose—can overwhelm conventional opposition.
Duryodhana reports what he and his side witnessed: Arjuna, called Dhanañjaya, is surrounded by a dense ‘net’ of arrows and is actively discharging superhuman astras, creating an all-encompassing barrage on the battlefield.