Shloka 59
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
विकर्ण: सुतसोम॑ तु विद्ध्वा नाकम्पयच्छरै: । सुतसोमो विकर्ण च तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्,विकर्ण अपने बाणोंसे सुतरोमको घायल करके भी उन्हें कम्पित न कर सका। इसी प्रकार सुतसोम भी विकर्णको विचलित न कर सके। उन दोनोंका यह पराक्रम अद्भुत-सा प्रतीत हुआ
sañjaya uvāca | vikarṇaḥ sutasomaṁ tu viddhvā nākampayac charaiḥ | sutasomo vikarṇaṁ ca tad adbhutam ivābhavat ||
Sañjaya berkata: Walaupun Vikarṇa menembusi Sutasoma dengan anak panahnya, dia tidak mampu menggoyahkan pendiriannya. Demikian juga Sutasoma tidak dapat menggoncang Vikarṇa. Keteguhan keberanian kedua-duanya—masing-masing tidak tunduk walau diserang—tampak sungguh mengagumkan.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya steadfastness under pressure: true martial excellence is not merely striking the opponent, but remaining unshaken oneself. It also suggests an ethical admiration for courage and endurance even amid a destructive war.
During the battle, Vikarṇa shoots Sutasoma but cannot make him falter; Sutasoma likewise fails to shake Vikarṇa. Sañjaya reports this mutual, unwavering resistance as an astonishing display of prowess.