Shloka 7
Āśvamedhika Parva, Adhyāya 77 — Saindhava resistance, Arjuna’s restraint, and Duḥśalā’s supplication
ते किरन्त: शरव्रातान् वारणप्रतिवारणान् । रणे जयमभीप्सन्त: कौन्तेयं पर्यवारयन् ७ ।।
te kirantaḥ śaravrātān vāraṇaprativāraṇān | raṇe jayam abhīpsantaḥ kaunteyaṃ paryavārayan 7 ||
വൈശമ്പായനൻ പറഞ്ഞു—ആനകളുടെ മുന്നേറ്റം പോലും തടയുന്നത്ര ഘനമായ അമ്പുസമൂഹങ്ങൾ പെയ്തുകൊണ്ട്, യുദ്ധത്തിൽ ജയമാഗ്രഹിച്ചു അവർ കൗന്തേയനെ ചുറ്റിവളഞ്ഞു. (7)
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension in warfare: the drive for victory can become an overpowering collective force, yet the dharmic ideal for a kṣatriya is steadiness and disciplined courage even when surrounded and outnumbered.
A group of fighters rains down heavy volleys of arrows—described as capable of stopping even elephants—and, intent on winning the battle, they encircle Kaunteya (Arjuna) on the battlefield.