Shloka 216
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय ९६: सौभद्रस्य आक्रमणम्, अलम्बुसस्य प्रतिविधानम्
Abhimanyu’s assault; Alambusa’s counter-engagement
हया गजै: समाजग्मु: पादाता रथिभि: सह । धीरे-धीरे अत्यन्त भयंकर युद्ध छिड़ गया, जो भीरु मनुष्योंको डरानेवाला था। घुड़सवार हाथीसवारोंके और पैदल रथियोंके साथ भिड़ गये
sa jaya uv01ca |
hay01 gajai sam01jagmu p01d01t01 rathibhi saha |
Sañjaya said: The horsemen closed in upon the elephant-corps, and the foot-soldiers advanced together with the chariot-warriors. Gradually, a most dreadful battle flared up—one that struck terror into the hearts of the timid—as the armies collided in full force.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the escalating, fear-inducing nature of war: when armed formations converge, terror arises especially in the timid. Implicitly, it contrasts inner steadiness with fear, highlighting that courage and composure are tested amid collective violence.
Sanjaya reports the clash of battlefield divisions: cavalry meets elephant units, while infantry advances alongside chariot-fighters. The engagement intensifies step by step into a very dreadful battle.