Shloka 50
Adhyāya 141 — Night duels: Śaineya and Bhūriśravas; Droṇi and Ghaṭotkaca; Bhīma and Duryodhana
तानन्तरिक्षे विशिखैस्त्रिधैिकैकमशातयत्
tān antarikṣe viśikhaiḥ tridhāikaṁ aśātayat
サンジャヤは言った。矢がなお空中にあるうちに、彼は自らの矢でそれを撃ち当て、その一本の飛翔する武器を三つに裂いた。物語は戦場の武芸の苛烈な精密さ――武器の飛行すら迎え撃つ――を示し、力量と警覚が一瞬で生死を分かつことを語っている。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical tension of war: extraordinary skill and vigilance can neutralize threats instantly, yet such brilliance is exercised within a destructive context. It invites reflection on how human excellence (śaurya/kaushala) can serve either protection or devastation depending on the larger dharmic frame.
Sañjaya describes a combat moment where an incoming arrow, still flying through the air, is intercepted and split into three by counter-arrows—an image of elite archery and rapid tactical response on the battlefield.