Shloka 85
Arjuna’s Advance toward Bhīṣma; The Gāṇḍīva’s Signal and the Armies’ Convergence (भीष्माभिमुखगमनम् — गाण्डीवनिर्घोष-ध्वजवर्णनम्)
विनदन्तो महात्मान: कम्पयन्तश्न मेदिनीम् । घट्टयन्तश्न मर्माणि तव पुत्रस्य मारिष
vinadanto mahātmānaḥ kampayantaś ca medinīm | ghaṭṭayantaś ca marmāṇi tava putrasya māriṣa ||
Sañjaya said: “Those great warriors, roaring aloud, were making the earth tremble, and they were striking at the vital points of your son, O revered one.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the harsh reality of war: even mighty leaders become vulnerable when opponents target the 'marmas' (vital points). It implicitly warns that power and pride do not protect one from consequences once violence is unleashed.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that formidable warriors are roaring in battle, shaking the earth with their onslaught, and pressing attacks against the vulnerable points of Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s son (Duryodhana).