Shloka 53
धृतराष्ट्र-संजय-संवादः — सात्यकि-अलम्बुसयोर्युद्धवर्णनम्
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Saṃjaya Dialogue; Account of Sātyaki vs Alambusa
ततः प्रशीर्णे धनुषि शक््त्या शक्तिमतां वर:
tataḥ praśīrṇe dhanuṣi śaktyā śaktimatāṁ varaḥ
ततः प्रशीर्णे धनुषि शक््त्या शक्तिमतां वरः।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of steadfastness under pressure: when one means is lost (the bow), a warrior adapts without abandoning resolve, continuing the fight with another weapon. Ethically, it reflects perseverance and readiness to meet circumstances without panic.
In the midst of the Drona Parva battle, a hero’s bow is broken; immediately, the foremost among strong warriors shifts to using a śakti (spear/śakti-weapon), indicating an intensification and continuation of close, lethal combat.