Shloka 3
धृतराष्ट्र-संजय-संवादः — सैन्यप्रशंसा, भेदनवृत्तान्त-प्रश्नः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Sañjaya Dialogue: Praise of the Host and Inquiry after the Breach
विस्फार्य च धरनूंष्यन्ये ज्या: परे परिमृज्य च । विनिःश्वसन्तः प्राक्रोशन् क्वेदानीं स धनंजय:,कोई धनुष खींचकर और कोई प्रत्यंचापर हाथ फेरकर रोषपूर्ण उच्छवास लेते हुए चिल्ला-चिल्लाकर कहते थे कि इस समय वह अर्जुन कहाँ है?
visphārya ca dhanuṃṣy anye jyāḥ pare parimṛjya ca | viniḥśvasantaḥ prākrośan kvedānīṃ sa dhanaṃjayaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Some warriors drew their bows taut, while others rubbed and adjusted the bowstrings. Breathing out in anger, they shouted aloud, “Where is that Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) now?”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the battlefield use of intimidation and morale warfare: outward displays of readiness (drawing bows, handling strings) and loud taunts aim to unsettle the opponent. Ethically, it reflects the kṣatriya arena where courage is tested not only by weapons but also by psychological pressure.
Sañjaya describes warriors preparing their weapons—some drawing bows, others adjusting bowstrings—then angrily shouting to challenge Arjuna by name, asking where he is at that moment.