Shloka 35
Nārāyaṇāstra-utpātaḥ — Aśvatthāman’s Rallying Roar after Droṇa’s Fall (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय १६७)
ततस्तु पाण्डवो ज्येष्ठ: खड्ग॑ चर्म समाददे । तदस्य निशितैर्बाणैव्यधमन्माधवो रणे,तब ज्येष्ठ पाण्डव युधिष्ठिरने ढाल-तलवार हाथमें ले ली। किंतु कृतवर्माने रणक्षेत्रमें तीखे बाण मारकर उनके उस खड्गको नष्ट कर दिया
tatastu pāṇḍavo jyeṣṭhaḥ khaḍgaṃ carma samādade | tad asya niśitair bāṇair vyadhaman mādhavo raṇe ||
ಸಂಜಯನು ಹೇಳಿದನು—ಆಗ ಪಾಂಡವರ ಜ್ಯೇಷ್ಠ ಯುಧಿಷ್ಠಿರನು ಖಡ್ಗವನ್ನೂ ಚರ್ಮವನ್ನೂ (ಗುರಾಣಿಯನ್ನು) ಹಿಡಿದನು; ಆದರೆ ರಣದಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾಧವನು (ಕೃತವರ್ಮ) ತೀಕ್ಷ್ಣ ಬಾಣಗಳಿಂದ ಅವನ ಆ ಖಡ್ಗವನ್ನು ಚೂರುಮೂರಾಗಿಸಿದನು।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the fragility of external supports—arms, defenses, and even momentary confidence—within the chaos of war. Ethically, it underscores how dharma in battle is tested not by ideals alone but by sudden reversals that demand steadiness and discernment.
Yudhiṣṭhira, the eldest Pāṇḍava, takes up sword and shield to engage. The opposing warrior (named in the verse as Mādhava) counters immediately with sharp arrows, breaking Yudhiṣṭhira’s sword in the midst of combat.