Shloka 10
Kuru-Sainika-Āśvāsana and Vijayaghoṣaṇa
Reassuring the Kuru Soldiers; Proclaiming Victory
श्रुत्वा गाण्डीवनिर्घोषं विस्फूर्जितमिवाशने: । त्रस्तानि सर्वसैन्यानि व्यपागच्छन् महाहवात्
śrutvā gāṇḍīvanirghoṣaṃ visphūrjitam ivāśaneḥ | trastāni sarvasainyāni vyapāgacchan mahāhavāt ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: Als sie das donnernde Dröhnen der Gāṇḍīva vernahmen — wie den Schlag eines Blitzes — ergriff Furcht die ganzen Heere, und sie wichen aus jener großen Schlacht zurück.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the psychological dimension of dharmic warfare: disciplined strength and renowned skill can shatter an aggressor’s morale, limiting further harm by forcing retreat. It also reflects kṣatriya-dharma—steadfastness and competence in protecting one’s side through rightful martial excellence.
In the great battle scene of the Virāṭa narrative, the terrifying sound of the Gāṇḍīva is heard. Comparing it to thunder/lightning, the text says the troops become frightened and pull back from the battlefield.