Shloka 44
Adhyāya 141 — Night duels: Śaineya and Bhūriśravas; Droṇi and Ghaṭotkaca; Bhīma and Duryodhana
कर्णस्य शरजालौघैर्भीमसेनस्य चो भयो: । अग्निस्फुलिजड्गसंस्पर्शरञ्जोगतिभिराहवे
sañjaya uvāca
karṇasya śarajālaughair bhīmasenasya cobhayoḥ | agnisphuliṅgasaṃsparśarañjogatibhir āhave ||
सञ्जय उवाच—कर्णस्य शरजालौघैर्भीमसेनस्य चोभयोः। अग्निस्फुलिङ्गसंस्पर्शरञ्जोगतिभिराहवे॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the relentless intensity of kṣatriya combat: when warriors are bound by rivalry and duty, their actions can become a consuming force. It implicitly cautions that martial prowess, though admirable as valor, also magnifies destruction when driven by enmity.
Sañjaya describes Karṇa and Bhīmasena exchanging overwhelming volleys of arrows. The arrows’ swift, flashing trajectories are compared to fire-sparks, emphasizing the ferocity and brilliance of their duel on the battlefield.