Shloka 116
Vāsudeva-Māhātmya: Duryodhana’s Inquiry and Bhīṣma’s Theological Account of Keśava
ततो दिश: सो<नुदिशकश्न पार्थ: शरै: सुधारै: समरे वितत्य । गाण्डीवशब्देन मनांसि तेषां किरीटमाली व्यथयाञज्चकार
tato diśaḥ so’nudiśaś ca pārthaḥ śaraiḥ sudhāraiḥ samare vitatya | gāṇḍīvaśabdena manāṃsi teṣāṃ kirīṭamālī vyathayāṃ cakāra ||
ततो दिशः सोऽनुदिशश्च पार्थः शरैः सुधारैः समरे वितत्य । गाण्डीवशब्देन मनांसि तेषां किरीटमाली व्यथयाञ्चकार ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of resolute action in a dharma-yuddha: disciplined skill and unwavering courage can shape not only the physical battle but also the moral and psychological landscape, testing the opponents’ steadiness of mind.
Sañjaya describes Arjuna unleashing a dense spread of sharp arrows that seems to fill every direction on the battlefield; simultaneously, the loud twang of his bow Gāṇḍīva intimidates and unsettles the enemy warriors (the Kaurava side).