Shloka 43
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
योधानां च महाशड्खान् पाण्डुरांश्न॒ प्रकीर्णकान् । निरस्तजिद्दान् मातड़ान् शयानान् पर्वतोपमान्
yodhānāṁ ca mahāśaṅkhān pāṇḍurāṁś ca prakīrṇakān | nirastajiddhān mātaṅgān śayānān parvatopamān ||
“যোদ্ধাদের বড় বড় শুভ্র শঙ্খও দেখো—সেগুলি সর্বত্র ছড়িয়ে আছে। আর সেই প্রবল হাতিগুলিও দেখো—ফেলে দেওয়া, নিথর, পাহাড়সম; মৃত্যুর মধ্যে দেহ ছড়িয়ে পড়ে আছে।”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the impermanence of martial glory: symbols of pride (great conches) lie scattered, and even mountain-like elephants are felled. It invites reflection on the ethical weight and human cost of war, as seen through a truthful witness’s report.
Sañjaya describes the battlefield aftermath: large white conch-shells are strewn about, and massive elephants lie prostrate like mountains, indicating heavy casualties and the collapse of once-formidable forces.