Shloka 34
Chapter 89: Bhīma dispatched to protect Ghaṭotkaca amid escalating engagements
तौ तस्य तुरगान् हत्वा त्वरमाणौ महारथौ । छादयामासतुरुभौ शरवर्षेण पार्षतम्
tau tasya turagān hatvā tvaramāṇau mahārathau | chādayāmāsatur ubhau śaravarṣeṇa pārṣatam ||
ఆ ఇద్దరు వేగవంతులైన మహారథులు అతని గుర్రాలను సంహరించి, పార్షతుని బాణవర్షంతో కప్పివేశారు.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a battlefield ethic and tactic: in kṣatriya warfare, crippling an opponent’s mobility (by killing the horses) is a decisive move that enables a concentrated assault. It reflects the harsh logic of war, where strategic advantage often overrides gentler considerations.
Two elite warriors first kill the horses of Pārṣata’s chariot, then immediately overwhelm him by showering him with arrows, attempting to neutralize him quickly once his movement and maneuverability are compromised.