Shloka 52
ततश्नट्चटाशब्दो गोधाघातादभूत् तयो:,उस समय उन दोनोंके गोहचर्मके बने हुए दस्तानोंके आधातसे चटाचटकी आवाज होने लगी। साथ ही हथेलीका शब्द और महाभयंकर सिंहनाद भी होने लगा। रथके पहियोंकी घरघराहट और प्रत्यंचाकी भयंकर टंकार भी कानोंमें पड़ने लगी
tataś caṭacaṭāśabdo godhāghātād abhūt tayoḥ
Sañjaya said: Then, from the blows of their gloves made of go-skin, there arose a sharp clattering sound—“caṭa-caṭa.” Along with it were heard the slap of palms and a most dreadful lion-roar; and the rumbling of chariot-wheels and the terrifying twang of bowstrings also struck the ears. The scene conveys the war’s escalating ferocity, where human resolve and martial skill manifest as an overwhelming soundscape that signals imminent violence and the hardening of hearts in battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse does not teach a doctrinal maxim directly; it ethically frames war as a force that amplifies aggression and fear. By foregrounding harsh, bodily and mechanical sounds, it highlights how battle overwhelms discernment and compassion, reminding the listener that violence quickly becomes all-consuming and dehumanizing.
Sañjaya describes the immediate sensory signs of two combatants closing in: the snapping clatter from their leather hand-guards as they strike, accompanied by palm-slaps, fierce lion-like shouts, the rumble of chariot wheels, and the loud twang of bowstrings—signals that the duel and the wider battle are intensifying.