Shloka 423
Bhagadatta’s Advance, the Saṃśaptaka Challenge, and Arjuna’s Counterstrike (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय २६)
प्रेषयामास सहसा युयुधानरथं प्रति । उस समय प्राग्ज्योतिषपुरके राजाने उस महान् गजराजको सब ओरसे काबूमें करके सहसा सात्यकिके रथकी ओर बढ़ाया
preṣayāmāsa sahasā yuyudhānarathaṃ prati |
قال سنجيا: إن ملكَ براغجيوتِشَپُورَةَ، بعدما أحكم السيطرة على سيدِ الفيلة العظيم من كل جانب، اندفع به فجأةً نحو عربةِ ساتيَكي—هجومٌ خاطفٌ شديدٌ في قلب المعمعة، حيث تصبح مهارةُ ترويض المركوب سلاحًا، وتُقاس النيةُ بحركةٍ حاسمة.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the battlefield ethic of the Mahābhārata, power is inseparable from discipline: the king’s ability to control a massive elephant symbolizes mastery over instruments of violence. The verse highlights how decisive intent and controlled force shape outcomes, while also implying the moral weight of directing such force against a worthy opponent.
Sañjaya narrates that the king of Prāgjyotiṣapura, after steadying and controlling his great war-elephant, suddenly charges it toward Sātyaki (Yuyudhāna) and his chariot, initiating a direct and dangerous assault.