Shloka 7
Arjuna Confronted by Saindhava Forces during the Aśvamedha Circuit (श्वेतवाहनस्य सैन्धवसंघर्षः)
अग्रहस्तसुमुक्तेन शीकरेण स नागराट् | समौक्षत गुडाकेशं शैलं नीलमिवाम्बुद:,उस गजराजने अपनी सूँडसे छोड़े गये जलकणोंद्वारा गुडाकेश अर्जुनको भिगो दिया। मानो मेघने नील पर्वतपर जलके फुहारे डाल दिये हों
agrahastasumuktena śīkareṇa sa nāgarāṭ | samaukṣata guḍākeśaṃ śailaṃ nīlam ivāmbudaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: With the spray of water released from the tip of his trunk, the lordly elephant drenched Guḍākeśa (Arjuna), as though a rain-cloud were showering a dark-blue mountain.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights auspicious honor expressed through symbolic action: the elephant’s sprinkling resembles a consecratory shower, suggesting goodwill, royal dignity, and the celebratory tone surrounding the Aśvamedha context rather than conflict.
An elephant-king releases a fine spray of water from his trunk and drenches Arjuna (Guḍākeśa). The poet compares it to a rain-cloud showering a dark mountain, emphasizing vivid spectacle and ceremonial grandeur.