Shloka 9
Droṇavadha-saṃniveśaḥ — The Convergence Toward Droṇa’s Fall
Book 7, Chapter 164
तावन्योन्यं शरै: कृत्तौ व्यराजेतां नरर्षभौ । सुपुष्पौ पुष्पसमये पुष्पिताविव किंशुकौ,वे दोनों नरश्रेष्ठ एक-दूसरेके बाणोंसे घायल होकर वसनन््त-ऋतुमें सुन्दर पुष्पवाले दो विकसित पलाशवृक्षोंके समान शोभा पा रहे थे
tāv anyonyaṃ śaraiḥ kṛttau vyarājetāṃ nararṣabhau | supuṣpau puṣpasamaye puṣpitāv iva kiṃśukau ||
サञ्जयは言った。「人中の牡牛のごとき二人の勇者は、互いの矢に切り裂かれ傷つきながらも、なお燦然と輝いていた。花の季節に美しい花を満載した二本のキṃśuka（森の炎の樹）のように。相互の傷害のただ中にあっても、武の光彩と戦場における不動の堅忍は明らかであった。」
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a classical epic ethic of kṣatriya conduct: even when harmed, a warrior maintains resolve and dignity. It also shows how the Mahābhārata frames battlefield suffering through aesthetic imagery, suggesting that courage and steadfastness can appear radiant even amid violence.
Sañjaya describes two opposing champions in close combat. Both are struck and cut by each other’s arrows, yet they continue to stand out in brilliance, compared to two kiṃśuka trees blooming in season.