Shloka 20
Arjuna–Bhīṣma Strategic Engagement and Mutual Arrow-Interdiction (भीष्मार्जुनसमागमः)
तस्मिन् प्रथमसंग्रामे भीमज्यातलनिःस्वने । तावकानां परेषां च नासीत् कश्चित् पराड्मुख:,उस प्रथम संग्राममें जब भयानक धनुषोंकी टंकार तथा ताल ठोंकनेकी आवाज हो रही थी, आपके तथा पाण्डवोंके दलमें भी कोई युद्धसे विमुख नहीं हुआ
tasmin prathama-saṅgrāme bhīma-jyā-tala-niḥsvane | tāvakānāṃ pareṣāṃ ca nāsīt kaścit parāṅmukhaḥ ||
サञ्जयは語った。あの最初の激突において、恐るべき弓弦の轟きと、挑戦のために腕を打ち鳴らす響きが満ちる中、そなたの子らの軍にも、敵方の軍にも、戦いから顔を背ける者は一人としていなかった。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness in one’s chosen duty: in the opening engagement, neither side faltered or turned away. Ethically, it frames the battlefield as a test of resolve and kṣatriya-dharma—courage and commitment, regardless of which side one serves.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that at the very start of the war, the field thundered with bowstring twangs and warriors’ challenge-cries/arm-slaps, and that no warrior among the Kauravas or the opposing forces retreated or lost heart.