Shloka 11
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 94: Sātyaki–Sudarśana Yuddha (सात्यकि–सुदर्शन युद्ध)
क्षरत्रिव महामेघो वारिधारा: सहस्रश: । द्रोणमेघ: पार्थशैलं ववर्ष शरवृष्टिभि:,जैसे महान् मेघ झलकी सहमसौरों धाराएँ बरसाता रहता है, उसी प्रकार द्रोणाचार्यरूपी मेघने अर्जुनरूपी पर्वतपर बाणोंकी वर्षा प्रारम्भ कर दी
kṣaratriva mahāmegho vāridhārāḥ sahasraśaḥ | droṇameghaḥ pārthaśailaṃ vavarṣa śaravṛṣṭibhiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: As a great cloud pours down thousands of streams of rain without pause, so did Droṇa—like a cloud in battle—begin to shower Arjuna, the mountain-like Pārtha, with a relentless downpour of arrows. The image underscores the impersonal force of war: mastery and duty expressed through overwhelming martial skill, even when directed against the noblest of opponents.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in dharmic warfare, duty and skill can manifest as overwhelming force. The simile of cloud and mountain frames combat as a natural, inexorable encounter—emphasizing steadiness (Arjuna as a mountain) and relentless exertion of one’s role (Droṇa as a rain-bearing cloud).
Sañjaya describes Droṇa launching an intense barrage of arrows at Arjuna. The attack is portrayed as a torrential rainstorm, conveying the scale and continuity of Droṇa’s assault and the gravity of the duel.