Adhyāya 141 — Night duels: Śaineya and Bhūriśravas; Droṇi and Ghaṭotkaca; Bhīma and Duryodhana
तावुभौ नरशार्टूलौ शार्दूलाविव दंष्टिणौ । जीमूताविव चान्योन्यं प्रववर्षतुराहवे,वे दोनों पुरुषसिंह दाढ़ोंवाले दो सिंहोंके समान परस्पर जूझ रहे थे और आकाशमें दो मेघोंके समान युद्धस्थलमें वे दोनों एक-दूसरेपर बाणोंकी वर्षा कर रहे थे
tāv ubhau naraśārdūlau śārdūlāv iva daṁṣṭriṇau | jīmūtāv iva cānyonyaṁ pravavarṣatur āhave ||
तावुभौ नरशार्दूलौ शार्दूलाविव दंष्ट्रिणौ । जीमूताविव चान्योन्यं प्रववर्षतुराहवे ॥
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights how war amplifies reciprocal aggression: matched strength and pride can sustain a cycle of violence. Ethically, it invites reflection on how valor (śaurya) in battle, though admired, can also become a mechanism that prolongs suffering when neither side yields.
Sañjaya describes two powerful combatants locked in close contest. They clash like fierce beasts and simultaneously exchange dense volleys of arrows, each answering the other’s attack with equal intensity.