Shloka 703
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 94: Sātyaki–Sudarśana Yuddha (सात्यकि–सुदर्शन युद्ध)
बिभेद हृदि बाणेन पृथुधारेण पाण्डव: । फिर दूसरे बहुत-से बाणोंद्वारा उसके रथको टूक-टूक कर दिया और काम्बोजराज सुदक्षिणके संकल्प एवं पराक्रमको व्यर्थ करके पाण्डुपुत्र अर्जुनने मोटी धारवाले बाणसे उसकी छाती छेद डाली
sañjaya uvāca | bibheda hṛdi bāṇena pṛthudhāreṇa pāṇḍavaḥ |
पाण्डवः पृथुधारेण बाणेन तस्य हृदि बिभेद। अन्यैश्च बहुभिः शरैः तस्य रथं टूकशः कृत्वा, काम्बोजराजस्य सुदक्षिणस्य संकल्पं पराक्रमं च व्यर्थं चकार; ततः पार्थः स्थूलधारेण शरेण तस्य वक्षः पुनरपि विददार।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a recurring Mahabharata ethic: in war, resolve and bravery (saṅkalpa, parākrama) are meaningful but not sufficient; outcomes depend on skill, strategy, and circumstance. It also reflects the harsh demands of kṣatriya-dharma, where decisive action can nullify even a worthy opponent’s intent.
Sanjaya describes Arjuna’s attack on Sudakshina of Kamboja: Arjuna first breaks apart his chariot with many arrows and then pierces him in the chest with a broad-edged shaft, thereby thwarting Sudakshina’s plans and prowess in the battle.