Shloka 47
भीष्मवधोपाय-प्रश्नः (Inquiry into the means to overcome Bhīṣma) | Chapter 103
त्वरमाण: सुसंरब्धो हयांस्तेषां महात्मनाम् । जघान राक्षस: क्रुद्ध: सारथींश्व महाबल:
tvaramāṇaḥ susaṃrabdho hayāṃs teṣāṃ mahātmanām | jaghāna rākṣasaḥ kruddhaḥ sārathīṃś ca mahābalaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “Rushing forward in fierce agitation, the enraged Rākṣasa—mighty in strength—struck down the horses of those noble warriors, and their charioteers as well. In the frenzy of battle, violence can turn both strategic and indiscriminate, targeting not only combatants but also the supports of war—mounts and drivers—thereby intensifying chaos and suffering.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how uncontrolled anger (krodha) in war can erode restraint and lead to destructive acts that amplify disorder—attacking the very supports of combat (horses and charioteers). It implicitly contrasts disciplined kṣatriya conduct with rage-driven violence that borders on adharma.
Sañjaya reports that an enraged, powerful Rākṣasa rushes into the fight and strikes down the horses and charioteers belonging to the noble warriors, crippling their chariots and escalating the turmoil of the battle.