Shloka 10
Chapter 51: Saṃdhyākāla-saṃhāra
Evening Withdrawal after Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
कृतवर्माणमेकेन शल्यं पठ्चभिराशुगै: । विद्ध्वा नवभिरानर्च्छच्छिताग्रै: प्रपितामहम्
kṛtavarmāṇam ekena śalyaṃ pañcabhir āśugaiḥ | viddhvā navabhir ānarcchac chitāgraiḥ prapitāmaham ||
三阇耶说道：他以一箭射中克利多跋摩；以五支疾飞之箭刺穿沙利耶；继而又以九支锋锐之箭，连那位祖父般的长者——毗湿摩——也被他所伤。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the uncompromising momentum of dharma-bound warfare: once battle is joined under pledged allegiance, even revered elders like Bhīṣma become legitimate targets within the rules of combat. It invites reflection on the tension between reverence for elders and the harsh necessities of kṣatriya duty.
Sañjaya reports a sequence of precise attacks: one arrow hits Kṛtavarmā, five swift arrows pierce Śalya, and nine sharp-pointed arrows then strike Bhīṣma, showing the attacker’s speed and martial control amid the Kurukṣetra fighting.