Shloka 56
Adhyāya 104 — Śikhaṇḍin-puraskāraḥ (Śikhaṇḍin as Vanguard) and Bhīṣma’s Counter-Advance
विव्याध च सुतीक्ष्णेन पृषत्केन महामृथे । परीप्सन् स्वसुतं राजन् वार्ष्णेयेनाभिपीडितम्
vivyādha ca sutīkṣṇena pṛṣatkena mahāmṛdhe | parīpsan svasutaṃ rājan vārṣṇeyenābhipīḍitam ||
三阇耶说：在那场大厮杀中，导师为护其子——正被弗利什尼族的萨底耆逼迫得紧——以一支锐箭射中他，使其负伤。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical strain of warfare: personal attachments (a father's concern for his son) can override ideals of impartial conduct, even for a revered teacher. It invites reflection on how dharma becomes complex when duty, affection, and survival intersect on the battlefield.
During the great battle, Aśvatthāman is being heavily attacked by Sātyaki. Droṇa, intent on saving his son, shoots a sharp arrow and wounds the assailant, intervening directly to relieve the pressure.