Shloka 573
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
भित्त्वा प्रहरतां श्रेष्ठो विदेहासूनपातयत् । प्रहार करनेवाले योद्धाओंमें श्रेष्ठ पाण्डय अपने तीखे बाणोंसे हाथी
bhittvā praharatāṃ śreṣṭho videhāsūn apātayat |
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Pinakadakila sa mga sumusugod at tumatama sa labanan, ang Pāṇḍya ay tumutusok sa mga katawan ng elepante, kabayo, at tao sa pamamagitan ng kanyang matatalim na palaso, inaalisan sila ng katawan at hininga at ibinabagsak sa lupa. Ipinakikita ng tagpong ito ang mabagsik na bangis ng digmaang inuudyok ng tungkulin, kung saan ang kahusayan sa pakikidigma ay di-maihihiwalay sa malawakang pagwasak.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the harsh ethical tension of dharma in war: martial excellence and steadfast performance of a warrior’s role can coexist with immense suffering. It invites reflection on how duty (svadharma) in a righteous cause still carries tragic human cost.
Sañjaya describes a powerful warrior on the battlefield who, with sharp arrows, pierces and kills elephants, horses, and human fighters, felling them lifeless to the ground—an image of intense combat and overwhelming prowess.