Shloka 40
Chapter 12: Arjuna’s suppression of the Saṃśaptakas and duel with Aśvatthāmā
Drauṇi
ततः साधुविसूष्टेन क्षुरेणानतपर्वणा । छित्त्वा शरासनं शत्रोर्नागमामित्रमार्दयत्
tataḥ sādhu-visṛṣṭena kṣureṇānata-parvaṇā | chittvā śarāsanaṃ śatror nāgam āmītra-mārdayat ||
سنجے نے کہا—پھر بھیم سین نے خوب نشانے سے چھوڑے ہوئے، خمیدہ جوڑوں والے خُشُر (تیغ دار) تیر سے دشمن کا کمان کاٹ ڈالا، اور دوبارہ اس کے ہاتھی کو سخت اذیت پہنچائی۔
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the dharma of battle, effectiveness and restraint are expressed through skillful prioritization: first neutralize the opponent’s capacity to strike (cutting the bow), then apply force to end the threat. The verse highlights disciplined martial competence rather than reckless aggression.
Sañjaya narrates that Bhīmasena shoots a razor-headed arrow that severs the enemy’s bow, and then he continues by severely troubling the enemy’s elephant, pressing his advantage on the battlefield.