Shloka 9
अर्जुनस्य जयद्रथाभिमुखप्रयाणं तथा कर्णेन प्रतिरोधः
Arjuna’s renewed advance toward Jayadratha and Karṇa’s resistance
तथैव शक्रप्रतिमो5पि सात्यकि: सुदर्शने यान् क्षिपति सम सायकान् । द्विधा त्रिधा तानकरोत् सुदर्शन: शरोत्तमै: स्यन्दनवर्यमास्थित:,इसी प्रकार इन्द्रके समान पराक्रमी सात्यकि भी सुदर्शनपर जिन-जिन बाणोंका प्रहार करते थे, श्रेष्ठ रथपर बैठे हुए सुदर्शन भी अपने उत्तम बाणोंद्वारा उन सबके दो-दो तीन-तीन टुकड़े कर देते थे
tathaiva śakra-pratimo 'pi sātyakiḥ sudarśane yān kṣipati sma sāyakān | dvidhā tridhā tān akarot sudarśanaḥ śarottamaiḥ syandana-varyam āsthitaḥ ||
तथैव शक्रप्रतिमोऽपि सात्यकिः सुदर्शने यान् क्षिपति स्म सायकान् । द्विधा त्रिधा तानकरोत् सुदर्शनः शरोत्तमैः स्यन्दनवर्यमास्थितः ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of vigilance and mastery under pressure: in war, raw aggression (many arrows) is not enough—disciplined skill and presence of mind can neutralize threats instantly. Ethically, it reflects the Mahābhārata’s sober view of battle as a realm where excellence is admired even while violence remains tragic.
Sañjaya describes a duel: Sātyaki, compared to Indra, repeatedly shoots arrows at the warrior Sudarśana. Sudarśana, standing firm on a fine chariot, counters by cutting those incoming arrows into two or three pieces with superior shafts.