Shloka 63
Arjuna’s Advance toward Bhīṣma; The Gāṇḍīva’s Signal and the Armies’ Convergence (भीष्माभिमुखगमनम् — गाण्डीवनिर्घोष-ध्वजवर्णनम्)
तस्य तं नदतो नादं सुघोरं भीमनि:स्वनम् | श्रुत्वा भीष्मो<ब्रवीद् द्रोणं राजानं च सुयोधनम्
tasya taṃ nadato nādaṃ sughoraṃ bhīma-niḥsvanam | śrutvā bhīṣmo 'bravīd droṇaṃ rājānaṃ ca suyodhanam ||
Sañjaya sprach: Als Bhīṣma das entsetzliche Brüllen jenes Elefanten hörte—ein überaus grauenhafter Ruf von furchterregender Wucht—wandte er sich an Droṇa und König Suyodhana (Duryodhana).
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In war, ominous signs and frightening stimuli test leadership. The verse highlights the duty of commanders to respond with composed judgment and timely counsel, not fear—an ethical demand of kṣatriya leadership under pressure.
An elephant gives a terrifying bellow on the battlefield. Hearing it, Bhīṣma turns to address Droṇa and King Suyodhana, indicating an imminent tactical or morale-related moment that requires guidance and decision.