Shloka 41
Duryodhana’s Anxiety, Bhīṣma’s Reassurance, and Renewed Mobilization (दुर्योधनचिन्ता–भीष्मप्रत्याश्वासन–सेनानिर्गमनम्)
मुक्तकेशा विकवचा विरथाश्शकछिन्नकार्मुका: । बाहुभि: समयुध्यन्त सूंजया: कुरुभि: सह
muktakeśā vikavacā virathāś chinna-kārmukāḥ | bāhubhiḥ samayudhyanta sūñjayāḥ kurubhiḥ saha ||
سِرنجَے کے بہت سے سورما—بال کھلے ہوئے، زرہ سے عاری، رتھ سے محروم اور کمانیں کٹ جانے کے بعد—کوروؤں کے ساتھ صرف بازوؤں کے زور پر ہاتھا پائی کی جنگ لڑ رہے تھے۔
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness in battle: even when external supports—armor, chariot, and weapons—are lost, a warrior’s resolve and duty-driven courage can persist. Ethically, it underscores the kṣatriya ideal of not abandoning one’s post in the face of adversity.
Sañjaya describes the battlefield turning brutal and close-range: Sṛñjaya fighters, having lost armor, chariots, and even their bows, continue fighting the Kuru troops directly with their arms in wrestling-like combat.