Shloka 35
Adhyāya 10: Śrutakarmā’s Engagements; Prativindhya–Citra Duel; Drauṇi Advances toward Bhīma
द्रविष्यन्ति च पञ्चाला विष्णु दृष्टवेव दानवा: | तस्मात् त्वं पुरुषव्याप्र प्रकर्षतां महाचमूम्,'जैसे देवराज इन्द्रने दानवोंका संहार किया था, उसी प्रकार तुम भी समस्त शत्रुओंका वध करो। जैसे दानव भगवान् विष्णुको देखते ही भाग जाते हैं, उसी प्रकार पाण्डव तथा पांचाल महारथी तुम्हें रणभूमिमें सेनापतिके रूपमें उपस्थित देखकर भाग खड़े होंगे; अतः पुरुषसिंह! तुम इस विशाल सेनाका संचालन करो
dravīṣyanti ca pañcālā viṣṇu dṛṣṭveva dānavāḥ | tasmāt tvaṃ puruṣavyāghra prakarṣatāṃ mahācamūm ||
Sañjaya said: “The Pāñcālas will flee, just as the Dānavas flee upon seeing Viṣṇu. Therefore, O tiger among men, take firm command of this vast army and press the battle forward—so that the enemies may be struck down, as Indra once destroyed the Dānavas.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses mythic exempla (Viṣṇu and Indra versus the Dānavas) to intensify martial resolve: a commander should project decisive authority so that the enemy’s morale collapses. Ethically, it reflects the kṣatriya ideal of steadfast leadership in war, though it also shows how rhetoric and fear are used to justify and propel violence.
Sañjaya reports an exhortation aimed at a leading warrior/commander: he predicts that the Pāñcālas (and by implication the Pāṇḍava side) will scatter in fear upon seeing him, just as Dānavas flee at the sight of Viṣṇu. He urges the hero to take charge and drive the great Kaurava army forward to destroy the foes.