Shloka 32
Kṛpa’s Archery Display; Śikhaṇḍin Checked; Suketu Slain; Dhṛṣṭadyumna–Kṛtavarmā Clash (कृपशौर्य–पार्षतहार्दिक्ययुद्धम्)
रथशब्दधनु:शब्दैर्नादयन्तं दिशो दश । नर्दन्तमिव शार्टूल॑ दृष्टवा क्रोष्टा भविष्यसि,'रथकी घर्घराहट और धनुषकी टंकारसे दसों दिशाओंको निनादित करते हुए सिंहसदृश अर्जुनको जब दहाड़ते देखोगे, तब तुरंत गीदड़ बन जाओगे
rathaśabda-dhanuḥśabdair nādayantaṃ diśo daśa | nardantam iva śārḍūlaṃ dṛṣṭvā kroṣṭā bhaviṣyasi ||
Sañjaya said: “When you behold Arjuna—lion-like—roaring as he makes the ten directions resound with the thunder of his chariot and the twang of his bow, you will at once turn into a jackal.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how martial prowess and confident resolve can break an opponent’s morale; in dharma-yuddha contexts, inner steadiness and courage are as decisive as weapons.
Sañjaya describes Arjuna’s terrifying battlefield presence—his chariot’s roar and bow’s twang filling all directions—and predicts that the hearer will be reduced to fearful helplessness, like a jackal before a great predator.