Saubhadra under Concentrated Assault; Pārṣata’s Intervention and Escalation
धृष्टद्युम्नस्ततो द्रोणं नवत्या निशितै: शरै: । विव्याध प्रहसन् वीरस्तिष्ठ तिछेति चाब्रवीत्,तब धृष्टद्युम्नने हँसकर नब्बे पैने बाणोंसे द्रोणाचार्यको घायल कर दिया और कहा --'खड़े रहो, खड़े रहो”
dhṛṣṭadyumnas tato droṇaṃ navatyā niśitaiḥ śaraiḥ | vivyādha prahasan vīras tiṣṭha tiṣṭheti cābravīt ||
धृष्टद्युम्नस्ततो द्रोणं नवत्या निशितैः शरैः । विव्याध प्रहसन् वीरस्तिष्ठ तिष्ठेति चाब्रवीत् ॥
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the kṣatriya battlefield ethos: courage, steadfastness, and direct confrontation. Even taunting speech (“Stand firm!”) functions as a test of resolve, showing how personal valor and psychological pressure operate within the broader framework of dharma-bound warfare.
Sanjaya describes Dhrishtadyumna attacking Droṇa with ninety sharp arrows. While wounding him, Dhrishtadyumna laughs and challenges Droṇa to stand his ground, intensifying their duel amid the Kurukṣetra battle.