Shloka 173
Book 9 (Śalya-parva), Adhyāya 13 — Arjuna’s Arrow-storm and the Drauṇi Confrontation
युधिष्ठिरमथाविध्यद् दशभिर्निशितै: शरै: । समरांगणमें धर्मपुत्रके बाणोंसे आच्छादित होते हुए शल्यने युधिष्ठिरको दस पैने बाणोंसे बींध डाला
yudhiṣṭhiram athāvidhyad daśabhir niśitaiḥ śaraiḥ |
Disse Sañjaya: Então Śalya atingiu Yudhiṣṭhira com dez flechas agudas. Mesmo quando o filho do Dharma cobria o campo de batalha com seus próprios dardos, Śalya o traspassou com dez setas—imagem de uma determinação marcial implacável, na qual a realeza justa deve suportar a ferida sem abandonar a firmeza nem o dever.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma: steadfastness under attack and the acceptance of hardship while remaining committed to one’s duty. Even a dharmic ruler like Yudhiṣṭhira must face violence in war without losing composure or purpose.
During the battle, Śalya shoots Yudhiṣṭhira with ten sharp arrows. The context implies an exchange of missiles—Yudhiṣṭhira’s arrows are being met and countered as Śalya lands a direct, forceful strike.