Shloka 17
Adhyāya 16: Saṃśaptaka-vrata and the Diversion of Arjuna (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय १६)
ततो युधिष्ठटिरानीकमुद्धतार्णवनि:स्वनम् । त्वदीयमवधीत् सैन्यं सम्प्रद्रतमहारथम्,तदनन्तर उत्ताल तरंगोंसे युक्त महासागरकी भाँति गर्जना करती हुई युधिष्ठिरकी सेना आपकी सेनाका संहार करने लगी। इससे कौरव-सेनाके बड़े-बड़े रथी भाग खड़े हुए
tato yudhiṣṭhirānīkam uddhatārṇava-niḥsvanam | tvadīyam avadhīt sainyaṃ sampradruta-mahāratham ||
Sañjaya said: Then Yudhiṣṭhira’s host, roaring like a heaving ocean, began to cut down your army; and in consequence, the great chariot-warriors of the Kauravas fled in disorder. The scene shows how, when courage and cohesion collapse, even the mighty are swept away by the momentum of a disciplined force.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and practical truth that collective resolve and righteous momentum can overwhelm even renowned warriors; when inner steadiness and unity fail, strength and status do not prevent collapse.
Sañjaya reports that Yudhiṣṭhira’s forces surge forward with a thunderous roar like the ocean, inflicting heavy losses on the Kaurava army, after which many prominent Kaurava chariot-warriors break formation and flee.