Shloka 17
Arjuna–Bhīṣma Strategic Engagement and Mutual Arrow-Interdiction (भीष्मार्जुनसमागमः)
महाचापानि धुन्वन्तो मेघा इव सविद्युत: । आददानाश्ष नाराचान् निर्मुक्ताशीविषोपमान्,(अग्रतः पाण्डुसेनाया हाृतिष्ठन् पृथिवीक्षित: ।।
sañjaya uvāca |
mahācāpāni dhunvanto meghā iva savidyutaḥ |
ādadānāś ca nārācān nirmuktāśīviṣopamān |
agrataḥ pāṇḍusenāyā hṛtiṣṭhan pṛthivīkṣitaḥ ||
三阇耶说道：“他们摇撼大弓，如同夹带闪电的雷云；又取起长长的铁箭，一经放出便似脱缰的毒蛇。那些国王就这样立在般度军前。”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the outward splendor of force—bows like storm-clouds and arrows like venomous serpents—can be mesmerizing, yet it remains a humanly directed power. In the dharma-frame of the Mahābhārata, such power intensifies accountability: awe-inspiring weapons do not absolve the warrior or king from ethical responsibility for intention and action.
Sañjaya describes a group of kings/warriors on the battlefield brandishing huge bows and readying heavy arrows. They move to the front of the Pāṇḍava army and take their positions, signaling an imminent clash and the tightening of battle lines.