Shloka 326
शल्यवधे कौरवसेनाभङ्गः, भीमस्य गदायुद्धं, दुर्योधनस्य समाह्वानम्
Rout after Śalya’s fall; Bhīma’s mace engagement; Duryodhana’s rally
अदृश्यन्त महाराज योधास्तत्र रणाजिरे | महाराज! वहाँ समरांगणमें बहुत-से योद्धा जूएमें बँधे हुए वायुके समान वेगशाली घोड़ोंद्वारा इधर-उधर ले जाये जाते दिखायी देते थे
adṛśyanta mahārāja yodhās tatra raṇājire |
Sañjaya said: “O King, on that battlefield many warriors were seen being dragged here and there by horses swift as the wind, bound fast by the yoke and harness.” The scene underscores the war’s grim mechanics: even the mighty are reduced to being carried helplessly by the momentum of steeds and chariots, revealing how violence strips agency and dignity amid the chaos of battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dehumanizing force of war: warriors, despite valor, can become powerless objects swept along by chariots and horses. Ethically, it points to the loss of agency and dignity that accompanies large-scale violence, inviting reflection on the true cost of conflict even when framed as kṣatriya duty.
Sañjaya reports to the king what he ‘sees’ on the battlefield: numerous fighters are being carried or dragged about by extremely swift horses, bound by yokes and harness—an image of chaotic motion and battlefield confusion.