Shloka 25
Vasiṣṭhasya śokaḥ, Vipāśā–Śatadrū-nāmākaraṇam, Kalmāṣapādasya bhaya-prasaṅgaḥ (Ādi Parva 167)
द्रोणस्य शरजालानि प्राणिदेहहराणि च । षडरत्नि धनुश्नास्य दृश्यते परमं महत्
droṇasya śarajālāni prāṇidehaharāṇi ca | ṣaḍaratni dhanuśnāsya dṛśyate paramaṁ mahat ||
婆罗门说道：“德罗那的箭雨致命，夺去众生的身躯与性命；而他的弓——长六肘——显得极其宏伟。即便披着婆罗门的外相，这位大心的神射导师德罗那，也能凭借婆罗门的光辉（tejas），遏制并压倒刹帝利的武威。”
ब्राह्मण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the idea that inner spiritual authority (brahma-tejas) can rival or restrain mere martial force (kṣatra-tejas). It also underscores the ethical weight of weapon-skill: mastery in arms is awe-inspiring but inherently bound to the power to take life, demanding restraint and right purpose.
A Brahmin observer describes Droṇa’s terrifying battlefield capability—his dense showers of arrows and his enormous bow—emphasizing that even when appearing in Brahmin guise, Droṇa’s presence and power can neutralize the prowess of warrior elites.