Shloka 16
Adhyāya 104 — Śikhaṇḍin-puraskāraḥ (Śikhaṇḍin as Vanguard) and Bhīṣma’s Counter-Advance
ते तस्य विविशुस्तूर्ण काय॑ निर्भिद्य मर्मसु । स तैविभिजन्नसर्वाड्र: शुशुभे राक्षसोत्तम:
te tasya viviśus tūrṇaṃ kāyaṃ nirbhidya marmasu | sa tair vibhinnasarvāṅgaḥ śuśubhe rākṣasottamaḥ ||
அந்த அம்புகள் விரைவாக அவன் உடலுள் புகுந்து மర్మங்களைத் துளைத்தன. அவற்றால் அவன் அங்கங்கள் சிதைந்தபோதும், அந்தச் சிறந்த ராட்சசன் இன்னும் ஒளிவீசினான்।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya battlefield ethic of steadfastness: even when struck in vital points and grievously wounded, a true warrior is portrayed as maintaining courage and presence. It also underscores the Mahābhārata’s sober realism—valor and suffering coexist, and outward splendor can persist amid mortal injury.
Sañjaya describes a fierce moment in combat: missiles (likely arrows) rapidly pierce a leading Rākṣasa’s body, striking vital points. Despite being riddled across his limbs, he is depicted as still shining—suggesting continued ferocity or an awe-inspiring appearance even while wounded.