Shloka 31
Chapter 12: Arjuna’s suppression of the Saṃśaptakas and duel with Aśvatthāmā
Drauṇi
तावन्योन्यस्य धनुषी छिज्त्वान्योन्यं विनेदतु: । शक्तितोमरवर्षेण प्रावृण्मेघाविवाम्बुभि:
sañjaya uvāca |
āv anyonyasya dhanuṣī chittvā anyonyaṃ vinedatuḥ |
śakti-tomara-varṣeṇa prāvṛṇ-meghāv ivāmbubhiḥ |
maṇḍalāni tataḥ tau tu vicarantau mahāraṇe |
anyonyam abhitastūrṇaṃ samājagmatūr āhave ||
サンジャヤは言った。互いの弓を断ち切るや、二人は咆哮し、罵り合い、挑み合った。槍とトーマラ投槍の雨が戦場を覆い、まるで雨季の二つの雲が水を注ぐかのようであった。やがて大合戦のただ中、円を描いて回り、虚実を織り交ぜて機をうかがいながら、二人はたちまち間合いを詰めていった。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how warfare tends to intensify: once primary weapons are disabled, combatants—driven by pride and anger—shift to deadlier means and close distance. Ethically, it illustrates the Mahābhārata’s recurring warning that unchecked rivalry and vainglory propel violence beyond initial limits.
Two opposing heroes cut each other’s bows, then bombard one another with spears and tomara-javelins like monsoon clouds raining water. Circling and maneuvering in the great battle, they quickly move in close for a more direct engagement.