Shloka 37
प्रहस्तवधः
The Slaying of Prahasta
सधनुर्धन्विनांश्रेष्ठोविकृष्यपरमाहवे ।।।।नीलायव्यसृजद्बाणान्प्रहस्तोवाहिनीपतिः ।
sa dhanur-dhanvināṃ śreṣṭho vikṛṣya paramāhave |
nīlāya vyasṛjad bāṇān prahasto vāhinīpatiḥ ||6.58.37||
Prahasta, panglima bala—terunggul antara para pemanah—menarik busurnya dalam pertempuran sengit itu lalu melepaskan anak-anak panah ke arah Nīla.
Prahastha, the commander of the army darted, just as the violent wind blows away mass of clouds, observing Nila coming towards him, in his chariot which was bright as the sun.
FAQs
It reflects the kṣātra code: skill and direct engagement. From a Dharmic lens, prowess is ethically neutral unless guided by satya and right purpose—this verse sets up the contest of strength that must be judged within the broader justice of the war.
Prahasta initiates the duel by shooting arrows at Nīla.
Dhanur-vidyā (mastery of archery) and commanding confidence.