Shloka 21
Bhīṣma–Arjuna Strategic Engagement at Virāṭa’s Frontier (भीष्मार्जुनयुद्धम्)
तमभिद्रुत्य कौन्तेय: क्रोधसंरक्तलोचन: । कामयन ड्ैरथं तेन युद्धं वचनमत्रवीत्,और कर्णके पास पहुँचकर उसके साथ द्वन्द्ययुद्धकी इच्छा रखते हुए कुन्तीकुमारने क्रोधसे लाल आँखें करके यह बात कही
tam abhidrutya kaunteyaḥ krodha-saṁrakta-locanaḥ | kāmayann rathaṁ tena yuddhaṁ vacanam atravīt ||
तमभिद्रुत्य कौन्तेयः क्रोधसंरक्तलोचनः । कामयन् रथयुद्धं तेन वचनमत्रवीत् ॥
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the Kshatriya impulse toward direct, honorable combat, while also showing how anger can color perception; it implicitly invites reflection on how dharma in war requires courage without being ruled by wrath.
The son of Kunti rushes up to his opponent and, wanting a chariot-to-chariot duel, speaks a challenge—signaling escalation into formal single combat.