Shloka 4
चित्रकूटे सैन्यधूलिशब्ददर्शनम्
Alarm at Chitrakūṭa: Lakṣmaṇa sights the approaching army
एतस्मिन्नन्तरे त्रस्ता श्शब्देन महता ततः।अर्दिता यूथपा मत्ता स्सयूथा दुद्रुवुर्दिशः।।2.96.4।।
etasminn antare trastāḥ śabdena mahatā tataḥ | arditā yūthapā mattāḥ sayūthā dudruvur diśaḥ || 2.96.4 ||
Währenddessen flohen die mächtigen Anführer der Elefantenherden, erschreckt durch einen großen Lärm und zusammen mit ihren Gruppen aufgewühlt, in alle Richtungen.
Let the wild beasts drag away the elephants, horses and men to be killed by me with their hearts transfixed with my arrows.
FAQs
The verse sets the stage for responsible action: a disturbance in the forest becomes a cue for vigilance and restraint rather than impulsive violence—an indirect support for dharma through alertness and non-harm.
A loud commotion arises; elephant-herd leaders panic and scatter, signaling the approach or presence of a large force.
Situational prudence (alert observation) is emphasized through the narrative framing that prompts careful inquiry.