Shloka 78
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
तमुद्यतगदं दृष्टवा सशृज्भमिव पर्वतम् । तावकानां भयं घोरं समपद्यत भारत,भारत! शुंगयुक्त पर्वतके समान उन्हें गदा उठाये आते देख आपके सैनिकोंके मनमें घोर भय समा गया
tam udyata-gadaṁ dṛṣṭvā saśṛṅgam iva parvatam | tāvakānāṁ bhayaṁ ghoraṁ samapadyata bhārata ||
Sañjaya said: Seeing him advancing with his mace raised—like a mountain with its peaks—your warriors, O Bhārata, were seized by dreadful fear.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical-psychological dimension of warfare: courage and visible readiness can determine outcomes by breaking the opponent’s morale. It implies that inner steadiness (dhairya) is as crucial as physical strength, since fear can overwhelm an army even before combat fully engages.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that a powerful warrior is seen approaching with a mace raised, compared to a peak-crested mountain. This sight causes the Kaurava troops (‘your men’) to be overtaken by intense fear.