Shloka 118
अर्जुनस्य शीघ्रप्रयाणं भीम-शकुनियुद्धं च
Arjuna’s Rapid Advance and the Bhīma–Śakuni Encounter
तस्मिन् प्रपक्षे पक्षे च निहते सव्यसाचिना । अर्जुनं जयतां श्रेष्ठ त्वरितो द्रौणिरभ्ययात्
tasmin prapakṣe pakṣe ca nihate savyasācinā | arjunaṁ jayatāṁ śreṣṭha tvarito drauṇir abhyayāt ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Nang sa sagupaang iyon ay napabagsak ni Arjuna—ang bihasang mamamana na kapwa-kamay ang galing—ang pangunahing pakpak at ang pakpak na sumusuporta ng kaaway, si Aśvatthāmā, anak ni Droṇa, ay dagling sumugod upang harapin si Arjuna, ang pinakadakila sa mga mandirigmang nagwawagi.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even decisive prowess in war does not end conflict; it provokes immediate counter-response from equally driven champions. The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethos of meeting victory with renewed challenge, where honor and duty compel leaders to step forward when their side falters.
Arjuna has just shattered both a principal enemy wing and its supporting wing in the battle. In response, Aśvatthāmā (Droṇa’s son) quickly advances to face Arjuna directly, signaling an escalation as a major warrior enters the confrontation.