Shloka 40
Chapter 12: Arjuna’s suppression of the Saṃśaptakas and duel with Aśvatthāmā
Drauṇi
ततः साधुविसूष्टेन क्षुरेणानतपर्वणा । छित्त्वा शरासनं शत्रोर्नागमामित्रमार्दयत्
tataḥ sādhu-visṛṣṭena kṣureṇānata-parvaṇā | chittvā śarāsanaṃ śatror nāgam āmītra-mārdayat ||
Sanjaya berkata: Kemudian Bhīmasena, dengan anak panah bermata pisau cukur yang dilepaskan dengan tepat dan beruas-ruas melengkung, memutuskan busur musuh; lalu sekali lagi menekan dan menyakiti gajah pihak lawan dengan hebat.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the dharma of battle, effectiveness and restraint are expressed through skillful prioritization: first neutralize the opponent’s capacity to strike (cutting the bow), then apply force to end the threat. The verse highlights disciplined martial competence rather than reckless aggression.
Sañjaya narrates that Bhīmasena shoots a razor-headed arrow that severs the enemy’s bow, and then he continues by severely troubling the enemy’s elephant, pressing his advantage on the battlefield.