Shloka 72
Nakula–Śakuni Duel and the Night Battle; Śikhaṇḍin–Kṛpa Engagement (नकुल-शकुनियुद्धं तथा रात्रियुद्धवर्णनम्)
पार्थबाहुविसृष्ट: स महोल्केव नभश्ष्युता सखडूगं यज्ञशीलस्य साड्ुदं बाहुमच्छिनत्,अर्जुनकी भुजाओंसे छोड़े गये उस क्षुरप्रने आकाशसे गिरी हुई बहुत बड़ी उल्काके समान उन यज्ञशील भूरिश्रवाकी बाजूबंदविभूषित (दाहिनी) भुजाको खड्गसहित काट गिराया
sañjaya uvāca |
pārtha-bāhu-visṛṣṭaḥ sa mahā-ulkā iva nabhaḥ-ścyutā sa-khaḍgaṃ yajña-śīlasya sāṅgadaṃ bāhum acchinat |
サンジャヤは語った。アルジュナの腕より放たれたその剃刀のごとき刃を持つ矢は、天より落つる巨大な隕火のように、祭祀に篤きブーリシュラヴァスの、腕輪で飾られた右腕を、手にした剣もろとも断ち落として地に伏せた。この光景は、戦の狂瀾のただ中では、争いが無慈悲で決定的な一撃へと転ずるとき、敬虔なる者とて免れ得ぬことを示している。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral tension of war: personal piety and ritual virtue do not guarantee safety when combat escalates. It invites reflection on dharma in battle—how decisive violence can collide with ideals of righteousness, and how outcomes may appear harsh even when framed as necessary within the larger conflict.
Sanjaya describes Arjuna’s razor-like weapon, hurled from his arm, striking Bhūriśravas and severing his right arm—still bearing an armlet—and cutting it off along with the sword he held. The simile of a meteor emphasizes the speed, force, and inevitability of the blow.