Shloka 50
Sātyaki-praveśaḥ and Duryodhana-saṃnipātaḥ
Sātyaki’s passage and Duryodhana’s mass engagement
तदाग्नेयं महाघोरं रिपुघ्नमुपलक्ष्य स:
tad āgneyam mahāghoraṁ ripughnam upalakṣya saḥ
Sañjaya said: “Seeing that fiery weapon—terribly fearsome and meant to destroy enemies—he recognized its nature and intent.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights discernment in crisis: recognizing the nature and purpose of a powerful force (here, a fiery enemy-slaying weapon) is essential for responsible action in war, where ethical restraint and correct judgment determine whether power is used rightly or disastrously.
In Sañjaya’s narration of the battle, a combatant perceives a dreadful Agneya (fire) weapon being deployed. The line emphasizes the moment of recognition—identifying it as a terrifying, foe-destroying astric power—setting up the ensuing response or countermeasure.