Shloka 24
Chapter 51: Saṃdhyākāla-saṃhāra
Evening Withdrawal after Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
ततो ध्वजममोधेषुर्भीष्मस्य नवभि: शरै: | चिच्छेद समरे वीरस्तत उच्चुक्रुशुर्जना:
tato dhvajam amogheṣur bhīṣmasya navabhiḥ śaraiḥ | ciccheda samare vīras tata uccukruśur janāḥ ||
三阇耶说道：随后，那位英雄——其箭无不中——在战阵之中以九支箭射断了毗湿摩的旗幡。见此情景，众武士齐声高呼。于史诗的伦理脉络中，折落军旗不仅是战术之能，更是对统帅威望的公开挑战，使战争的道义与心理压力愈加沉重。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in war, symbolic acts—like cutting a commander’s banner—carry ethical and psychological weight. Valor is measured not only by killing but also by challenging an opponent’s honor and resolve, reminding readers that warfare escalates through public displays that affect morale and reputation.
During the battle, a heroic warrior described as an unerring archer severs Bhishma’s banner with nine arrows. The assembled fighters react with a loud uproar, marking the deed as a notable feat and a direct affront to Bhishma’s battlefield eminence.