Shloka 2
विराटसभायां पाण्डवानां प्रवेशः — Arjuna’s Encomium of Yudhiṣṭhira in Virāṭa’s Court
स भीमधन्वानमुदग्रवीर्य धनंजयं शत्रुगणे चरन्तम् । आकर्णपूर्णायतचोदितेन विव्याध भल्लेन ललाटमध्ये,उस समय भयंकर धनुष धारण करनेवाले प्रचण्ड पराक्रमी धनंजय शत्रुसेनामें विचर रहे थे। दुर्योधनने धनुषको कानतक खींचकर छोड़े हुए भल्ल नामक बाणसे उनके ललाटमें गहरी चोट पहुँचायी
sa bhīmadhanvānam udagravīryaṁ dhanañjayaṁ śatrugaṇe carantam | ākārṇapūrṇāyatacoditena vivyādha bhallena lalāṭamadhye ||
Então Duryodhana atingiu Dhanañjaya (Arjuna)—poderoso em valor e portador de um arco terrível, que se movia entre as fileiras inimigas—com uma flecha bhalla, solta de um arco retesado até a orelha, perfurando-o bem no meio da testa.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh reality of warfare: prowess does not eliminate vulnerability. It also reflects the ethical tension of kṣatriya duty—skill and courage are exercised decisively, yet the conflict is driven by rivalry and adharma-laden ambition, reminding readers that martial excellence is morally neutral unless guided by righteous purpose.
Arjuna is moving through the enemy forces in battle. Duryodhana draws his bow fully to the ear and releases a bhalla arrow, which strikes Arjuna in the middle of the forehead, causing a deep wound.