Shloka 5
द्रोण-पार्थ-युद्धम्
Droṇa–Pārtha Strategic Engagement
एष तिष्ठन् रथश्रेष्ठे रथे च रथिनां वर: । उत्कर्षति धनु:श्रेष्ठ गाण्डीवमशनिस्वनम्,यह देखो, उस श्रेष्ठ रथमें बैठे हुए रथियोंमें प्रधान वीर अर्जुन धनुषोंमें सर्वोत्तम गाण्डीवकी डोरी खींच रहे हैं और उससे वज्रकी गड़गड़ाहटके समान शब्द हो रहा है
eṣa tiṣṭhan rathaśreṣṭhe rathe ca rathināṁ varaḥ | utkarṣati dhanuḥśreṣṭhaṁ gāṇḍīvam aśanisvanam ||
Droṇa berkata: “Lihatlah—berdiri di atas kereta yang paling unggul, Arjuna, yang terkemuka antara para pahlawan kereta, sedang menarik busur tertinggi, Gāṇḍīva. Saat talinya ditarik, bunyinya menggelegar seperti halilintar.”
द्रोण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the unmistakable signs of true capability: disciplined readiness and mastery of one’s duty (kṣatriya-dharma). Arjuna’s controlled act of drawing Gāṇḍīva becomes an ethical marker of preparedness and rightful strength rather than mere display.
Droṇa points out Arjuna on an excellent chariot, identifying him as the foremost chariot-warrior. Arjuna draws the string of his famed bow Gāṇḍīva, producing a thunder-like sound that signals his presence and martial readiness.