Shloka 486
Bhagadatta’s Advance, the Saṃśaptaka Challenge, and Arjuna’s Counterstrike (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय २६)
गजवाजिकृत: शब्द: सुमहान् समजायत । उस समय इधर-उधर भागते हुए पांचाल-सैनिकोंके हाथी-घोड़ोंका महान् भयंकर चीत्कार शब्द प्रकट हुआ
gajavājikṛtaḥ śabdaḥ sumahān samajāyata |
Sañjaya said: A tremendous roar arose—the terrifying clamour made by elephants and horses—as the Pāñcāla soldiers fled in all directions.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in war, inner steadiness and disciplined order are decisive: when fear spreads, even powerful assets like elephants and horses become sources of terror and confusion. It implicitly contrasts dharmic courage and composure with panic-driven collapse.
Sañjaya reports that a huge, frightening noise arose from elephants and horses as the Pāñcāla troops ran about and fled in different directions, indicating a moment of rout or severe disorder on the battlefield.