Shloka 36
Śālva’s Elephant Assault and the Counterstroke (शाल्वस्य नागारूढाभ्यवहारः)
वृषा यथा भग्नशुज्जा: शीर्णदन्ता यथा गजा: । वे अपनेको अनाथ समझते हुए किसी नाथ (सहायक) की इच्छा रखते थे और सिंहके सताये हुए मृगों
sañjaya uvāca | vṛṣā yathā bhagnaśṛṅgāḥ śīrṇadantā yathā gajāḥ | siṃhanādāṃś ca bahuśaḥ śṛṇu ghorān bhayāvahān | tasmād yāhi śanaiḥ sūta jaghanaṃ paripālaya |
قال سنجيا: «فصاروا عاجزين—كثيرانٍ مكسورة القرون، وكفيلةٍ بالية الأنياب—كغزلانٍ طاردها أسد؛ يظنون أنفسهم بلا حامٍ ويتطلعون إلى سيدٍ يلوذون به. اسمع، يا سائس: تلك الزئيرات الرهيبة كزئير الأسد تتردد مرارًا، باعثةً على الفزع. فامضِ على مهلٍ واحرس مؤخرة الجيش».
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In crisis, panic and a sense of being ‘without a protector’ weaken an army; steadiness and prudent action—such as moving carefully and securing the vulnerable rear—are essential duties of leadership and support roles.
Sañjaya describes troops becoming demoralized and powerless, likening them to injured animals. Hearing repeated, terrifying battle-roars, he urges the charioteer to proceed slowly and to protect the army’s rear, indicating tactical caution amid fear and confusion.