Shloka 34
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
किरज्छरसहस्राणि सुप्रतीकशिरोगत: । ऐरावतस्थो मघवान् वारिधारा इवानघ
sañjaya uvāca | kiracchara-sahasrāṇi supratīka-śiro-gataḥ | airāvata-stho maghavān vāridhārā iva anagha niṣpāpa nareśa |
Sañjaya said: Seated upon Supratīka, above its head, Bhagadatta poured forth thousands of arrows—like Maghavan (Indra) mounted on Airāvata, sending down streams of rain. Thus, O sinless king, he rained weapons upon the battlefield, intensifying the fury of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of formidable martial capacity in war, using a divine simile to frame human action within a larger cosmic imagination. Ethically, it underscores how battlefield prowess can appear awe-inspiring and ‘godlike,’ even while serving the destructive momentum of war—inviting reflection on power, duty, and consequence.
Sañjaya describes Bhagadatta fighting from atop his elephant Supratīka, showering the enemy with countless arrows. His assault is compared to Indra riding Airāvata and sending down torrents of rain.