Shloka 7
Āśvamedhika Parva, Adhyāya 77 — Saindhava resistance, Arjuna’s restraint, and Duḥśalā’s supplication
ते किरन्त: शरव्रातान् वारणप्रतिवारणान् । रणे जयमभीप्सन्त: कौन्तेयं पर्यवारयन् ७ ।। वे ऐसे बाणसमूहोंकी वर्षा करते थे, जो हाथियोंको भी आगे बढ़नेसे रोक देनेवाले थे। उन्होंने रणभूमिमें विजयकी अभिलाषा रखकर कुन्तीकुमारको घेर लिया
te kirantaḥ śaravrātān vāraṇaprativāraṇān | raṇe jayam abhīpsantaḥ kaunteyaṃ paryavārayan 7 ||
ते किरन्तः शरव्रातान् वारणप्रतिवारणान् । रणे जयमभीप्सन्तः कौन्तेयं पर्यवारयन् ॥७॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical tension in warfare: the drive for victory can become an overpowering collective force, yet the dharmic ideal for a kṣatriya is steadiness and disciplined courage even when surrounded and outnumbered.
A group of fighters rains down heavy volleys of arrows—described as capable of stopping even elephants—and, intent on winning the battle, they encircle Kaunteya (Arjuna) on the battlefield.