जयद्रथवधः — The Slaying of Jayadratha
Sunset Vow and Curse-Condition
अद्य मे क्षिप्रहस्तस्य क्षिपत: सायकोत्तमान् | अलातचक्रप्रतिमं धनुर्द्रक्ष्यन्ति कौरवा:,आज शीतघ्रतापूर्वक हाथ चलाकर उत्तम बाणोंका प्रहार करते हुए मेरे धनुषको कौरवलोग अलातचक्रके समान देखेंगे
adya me kṣiprahastasya kṣipataḥ sāyakottamān | alātacakrapratimaṃ dhanur drakṣyanti kauravāḥ ||
अद्य मे क्षिप्रहस्तस्य क्षिपतः सायकोत्तमान् । अलातचक्रप्रतिमं धनुर्द्रक्ष्यन्ति कौरवाः ॥
सूत उवाच
The verse highlights the kṣatriya battlefield ethic of demonstrating skill and resolve: prowess is displayed not merely for personal pride but to affect morale and momentum in war—here through a vivid image of speed and controlled power.
The speaker (reported by the Sūta) declares that on this day the Kauravas will witness his extraordinary archery: his bow will seem to whirl like a circle of fire as he rapidly releases excellent arrows, signaling an escalation of combat.