Shloka 326
Chapter 12: Arjuna’s suppression of the Saṃśaptakas and duel with Aśvatthāmā
Drauṇi
सात्यकेस्तु तथैवासौ चर्म चिच्छेद पार्थिव: । फिर वे एक-दूसरेके वधके लिये भारी यत्न करने लगे। तदनन्तर सात्यकिने विन्दकी ढालके दो टुकड़े कर दिये। इसी प्रकार राजकुमार विन्दने भी सात्यकिकी ढाल टूक-टूक कर दी
sātyakestu tathaivāsau carma ciccheda pārthivaḥ |
サンジャヤは言った。「同じくその王はサーティヤキの革の盾を断ち割った。ついで互いを討たんとする重い決意に駆られ、二人は激しく力を尽くした。その後サーティヤキはヴィンダの盾を二つに裂き、また王子ヴィンダもサーティヤキの盾を粉々に打ち砕いた。」
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights the kṣatriya ethos in the Mahābhārata: once battle is joined, warriors pursue their pledged duty with steadfast resolve, even as violence escalates. Ethically, it underscores how commitment, pride, and loyalty can intensify conflict, pressing individuals deeper into the consequences of war within a broader dharmic breakdown.
Sañjaya describes a close combat exchange between Sātyaki and Vinda (a royal opponent). The king cuts Sātyaki’s leather shield; then both fighters exert themselves to kill each other. Sātyaki splits Vinda’s shield into two, and Vinda in turn breaks Sātyaki’s shield into pieces.