Shloka 29
Chapter 12: Arjuna’s suppression of the Saṃśaptakas and duel with Aśvatthāmā
Drauṇi
क्ष्ेडितास्फोटितरवैर्बाणशब्दैस्तु सर्वतः । तौ जन हर्षयन्तौ च सिंहनादं प्रचक्रतु:,उन दोनों महारथियोंने युद्धस्थलमें एक-दूसरेके सुन्दर धनुष काटकर तुरंत ही सारथि और घोड़े भी मार डाले ।।
kṣeditāsphoṭita-ravair bāṇa-śabdais tu sarvataḥ | tau jana-harṣayantau ca siṃha-nādaṃ pracakratuḥ || virathāv asi-yuddhāya samājagmatūr āhave | śata-candra-cite gṛhya carmaṇī subhujī tathā ||
サンジャヤは言った。四方に鳴り響く衝突と破砕の轟き――矢の唸りと命中の音――そのただ中で、二人の英雄は見守る兵を沸き立たせ、獅子の咆哮を上げた。互いの見事な弓を断ち、さらに御者と馬を素早く討ち取ったため、二人は戦車を失った。そこで、百の月紋を刻んだ盾と剣を手にした剛腕の両雄は、近接戦に備えて戦場で相対し、歩み寄った。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethic of steadfastness and honor in battle: when chariot warfare collapses (bows cut, horses and charioteers slain), the warriors do not withdraw but adapt to a new mode of combat, meeting face-to-face with sword and shield. It also underscores how public acclaim and martial display (lion-roars) can intensify violence, reminding readers that valor and ethical restraint must be held in tension within dharma.
Sañjaya describes two great warriors whose bows are cut and whose charioteers and horses are killed, leaving them chariotless. They then take up shields decorated with many moon-like emblems and their swords, and advance toward each other to fight in close combat, accompanied by the loud din of arrows and their lion-like battle-cries.