Shloka 117
Adhyāya 141 — Night duels: Śaineya and Bhūriśravas; Droṇi and Ghaṭotkaca; Bhīma and Duryodhana
स गरुत्मानिवाकाशे प्रार्थयन् भुजगोत्तमम्
sa garutmān ivākāśe prārthayan bhujagottamam
स गरुत्मानिवाकाशे प्रार्थयन् भुजगोत्तमम् । एकाग्रचेताः समरे तं परिप्रेषयत् ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights focused resolve and relentless pursuit in a crisis: the mind fixed on its objective moves with the speed and dominance symbolized by Garuḍa. Ethically, it illustrates how determination can become overpowering in war, where prowess and intent drive action more than deliberation.
Sañjaya describes a warrior’s swift movement and intent using a vivid simile: he is like Garuḍa in the sky, seeking the ‘best of serpents.’ The ‘serpent’ functions as a metaphor for a dangerous, eminent opponent being hunted down in the battle scene.