Shloka 40
भीष्मवधोपाय-प्रश्नः (Inquiry into the means to overcome Bhīṣma) | Chapter 103
स तैभिन्नतनुत्राण: शुशुभे राक्षसोत्तम: । मरीचिभिरिवार्कस्य संस्यूतो जलदो महान्
sa taibhinna-tanutrāṇaḥ śuśubhe rākṣasottamaḥ | marīcibhir ivārkasya saṃsyūto jalado mahān ||
ਉਹ ਬਾਣ ਕਵਚ ਨੂੰ ਭੇਦ ਕੇ ਦੇਹ ਵਿੱਚ ਧੱਸ ਗਏ, ਤਾਂ ਵੀ ਰਾਖਸ਼-ਸ਼੍ਰੇਸ਼ਠ ਹੋਰ ਵੀ ਚਮਕ ਉਠਿਆ—ਜਿਵੇਂ ਸੂਰਜ ਦੀਆਂ ਕਿਰਨਾਂ ਨਾਲ ਰੰਗਿਆ ਹੋਇਆ ਕੋਈ ਮਹਾਨ ਬੱਦਲ।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores a kṣātra ideal: steadfastness and awe-inspiring presence in battle even when wounded. It frames suffering not as immediate defeat but as a test of courage and resolve, expressed through elevated poetic imagery.
Sañjaya describes a rākṣasa champion (Alambuṣa in the surrounding context) whose armour has been pierced by arrows. Despite being struck, he appears radiant and formidable, compared to a great cloud lit through by the sun’s rays.