Shloka 31
सुभीमनानाविधश्त्रपातै- घटोत्कचेनाभिहतं समन्तात् | दौर्योधनं वै बलमार्तरूप- मावर्तमानं ददृशे भ्रमत् तत्,घटोत्कचके द्वारा चलाये हुए अत्यन्त भयंकर एवं नाना प्रकारके अस्त्र-शस्त्रोंके प्रहारसे हताहत हुई दुर्योधनकी सेना आर्त होकर चारों ओर घूमती और चक्कर काटती दिखायी देने लगी
sañjaya uvāca |
subhīmanānāvidhaśastrapātaiḥ ghaṭotkacena abhihataṃ samantāt |
dauryodhanaṃ vai balam ārta-rūpam āvartamānaṃ dadṛśe bhramat tat ||
Sañjaya said: “Struck on every side by the exceedingly dreadful, many kinds of weapon-showers hurled by Ghaṭotkaca, Duryodhana’s host appeared distressed—whirling about, turning back and circling in confusion. The scene reveals how fear and disarray can overtake even a mighty army when violence is unleashed without respite, and how leadership is tested when one’s forces lose steadiness of mind.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even great strength collapses when the mind of an army is seized by fear and disorder; relentless violence produces confusion that tests dharma-based leadership—steadiness, protection of one’s men, and clear judgment become decisive.
Sañjaya reports that Ghaṭotkaca’s terrifying, varied weapon-strikes batter Duryodhana’s forces from all directions, causing the Kaurava host to reel, circle, and lose formation in visible distress.