Shloka 2536
Adhyāya 21 — Duryodhanasya bāṇavarṣaḥ
Duryodhana’s Arrow-Storm and the Dust-Obscured Engagements
कृतवर्मा कृतस्तेन धरणीमन्वपद्यत । इसके बाद उन्होंने कृतवर्माकी छातीमें एक भल्लद्वारा गहरी चोट पहुँचायी। तब वह युयुधानद्वारा घोड़ों और सारथिसे रहित किया हुआ कृतवर्मा रथ छोड़कर युद्धस्थलमें पृथ्वीपर खड़ा हो गया
sañjaya uvāca | kṛtavarmā kṛtastena dharaṇīm anvapadyata |
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Nang mapabagsak niya, bumagsak si Kṛtavarmā sa lupa. Pagkaraan, tinamaan siya sa dibdib ng isang matalim na palaso at nagkaroon ng malalim na sugat; at nang si Yuyudhāna (Sātyaki) ay nag-alis sa kanya ng mga kabayo at ng kanyang kutsero, iniwan ni Kṛtavarmā ang karwahe at tumindig sa digmaan na nakatapak sa lupa—larawang nagpapakita na sa pakikidigma, ang giting ay sinusubok hindi lamang ng sandata, kundi ng pagkawala ng sandigan at puwesto.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage underscores the instability of martial advantage: when a warrior loses his chariot-support (horses and charioteer), he is forced into a more vulnerable stance. Ethically, it highlights the kṣatriya ideal of continuing to face danger even after losing position and protection, while also reminding that war rapidly strips away status and security.
Sañjaya reports that Kṛtavarmā is struck and falls to the ground; then he receives a deep chest-wound from a sharp arrow. Yuyudhāna (Sātyaki) disables his chariot by depriving it of horses and charioteer, so Kṛtavarmā leaves the chariot and stands on foot on the battlefield.