Shloka 8
तस्या: शरेण तीक्ष्णेन पृथुधारेण पाण्डव: । शिरक्षिच्छेद गच्छन्त्यास्तामपश्यच्छचीपति:
tasyāḥ śareṇa tīkṣṇena pṛthudhāreṇa pāṇḍavaḥ | śiraś ciccheda gacchantyās tām apaśyac chacīpatiḥ ||
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは語った。鋭く、刃幅の広い切っ先鋭利な矢をもって、パーンダヴァは逃げゆく蛇女の首を斬り落とした。シャチーの主インドラは、その有様を自らの眼で見届けた。この段は、迫る危難を断つための迅速かつ決然たる武力の行使を示し、同時に、人の行いとその報いに神々の視線が注がれることを予兆する。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights decisive action in the face of immediate threat and the idea that deeds occur under a moral universe where even gods may witness and respond—implying accountability and consequences (karma) for violent acts, even when performed as protection.
A serpent-woman is fleeing; Arjuna (the Pāṇḍava) shoots a sharp, broad-bladed arrow and severs her head. Indra (Śacī’s husband) sees this event directly.