Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 36
Yudhiṣṭhira’s Rājasūya Resolve and the Slaying of Jarāsandha
ततश्चटचटाशब्दो वज्रनिष्पेससन्निभ: । गदयो: क्षिप्तयो राजन्दन्तयोरिव दन्तिनो: ॥ ३६ ॥
tataś caṭa-caṭā-śabdo vajra-niṣpesa-sannibhaḥ gadayoḥ kṣiptayo rājan dantayor iva dantinoḥ
When Jarāsandha’s and Bhīmasena’s clubs loudly collided, O King, the sound was like the impact of the big tusks of two fighting elephants, or the crash of a thunderbolt in a flashing electrical storm.
This translation is based on Śrīla Prabhupāda’s Kṛṣṇa.
FAQs
This verse highlights the ferocity of their combat by describing the thunderbolt-like crash of their clubs, compared to the violent collision of two elephants’ tusks.
Śukadeva is narrating the battle to Parīkṣit, keeping the listener directly engaged while emphasizing the royal, kṣatriya context of the conflict.
It reminds us that serious duties may demand steady courage and focus; one should face challenges responsibly, without cowardice, while remaining aligned with dharma.