Shloka 663
अध्याय ६० — कर्णस्य पाञ्चाल-सोमक-निग्रहः
Karna’s Suppression of the Panchala–Somaka Forces
रेजुरभ्यधिकं संख्ये विद्युत्वन्त इवाम्बुदा: । सोने और मणियोंकी जालियोंसे ढके हुए वे हाथी युद्धस्थलमें बिजलियोंसहित मेघोंके समान अधिक प्रकाशित हो रहे थे
rejur abhyadhikaṁ saṅkhye vidyutvanta iva ambudāḥ |
Sañjaya said: In the thick of battle, they shone with surpassing brilliance—like clouds streaked with lightning. The war-elephants, covered with latticed trappings of gold and gems, made the battlefield blaze, heightening the awe and terror of combat.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the paradox of worldly magnificence—gold and jewels—being used to intensify warfare. It invites reflection on how splendor and power can magnify harm when yoked to adharma-driven conflict, and how external brilliance does not imply moral worth.
Sañjaya describes the battlefield scene: war-elephants adorned with golden and jeweled net-like coverings appear dazzling, compared to thunderclouds lit by lightning, emphasizing the scale and spectacle of the fighting.