Shloka 59
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
विकर्ण: सुतसोम॑ तु विद्ध्वा नाकम्पयच्छरै: । सुतसोमो विकर्ण च तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्
sañjaya uvāca | vikarṇaḥ sutasomaṁ tu viddhvā nākampayac charaiḥ | sutasomo vikarṇaṁ ca tad adbhutam ivābhavat ||
Sañjaya disse: Embora Vikarṇa atingisse Sutasoma com suas flechas, não conseguiu fazê-lo vacilar. Do mesmo modo, Sutasoma também não pôde abalar Vikarṇa. A firmeza do valor de ambos, cada qual inflexível sob o ataque, pareceu verdadeiramente maravilhosa.
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.