Shloka 38
भीमसेन-दुर्योधन-प्रहारः तथा घटोत्कचमायाप्रादुर्भावः | Bhīmasena–Duryodhana Clash and the Manifestation of Ghaṭotkaca’s Māyā
ततः शान्तनवो भीष्मो रथघोषेण नादयन् । अभ्यागमद् रणे पार्थान् धनु:ःशब्देन मोहयन्,इतनेहीमें शान्तनुनन्दन भीष्म अपने रथकी घर-घराहटसे सम्पूर्ण दिशाओंको गुँजाते और धनुषकी टंकारसे लोगोंको मूर्च्छित करते हुए समरभूमिमें पाण्डव-सैनिकोंपर चढ़ आये
tataḥ śāntanavo bhīṣmo rathaghoṣeṇa nādayan | abhyāgamad raṇe pārthān dhanuḥśabdena mohayann ||
Dann rückte Bhīṣma, der Sohn Śāntanus, heran: Mit dem Donner seines Streitwagens ließ er die Himmelsrichtungen widerhallen, und mit dem scharfen Schnalzen seines Bogens betäubte er die Männer; so stürmte er in die Schlacht und griff die Heere der Pāṇḍavas an.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how dharma-bound action can be formidable even when morally complex: Bhīṣma, an elder of great virtue, fights due to his vow and allegiance. It also shows that in war, psychological force—sound, presence, and intimidation—can shape outcomes alongside physical combat.
Sañjaya describes Bhīṣma advancing on the battlefield against the Pāṇḍava side. The rumble of his chariot and the twang of his bow make the directions echo and leave opponents stunned, as he charges into the fray.