Shloka 5
Śālva’s Elephant Assault and the Counterstroke (शाल्वस्य नागारूढाभ्यवहारः)
न संधातुमनीकानि न च राजन् पराक्रमे । आसीदू् बुद्धि्हते शल्ये भूयो योधस्य कस्यचित्
na sandhātum anīkāni na ca rājan parākrame | āsīd buddhihate śalye bhūyo yodhasya kasyacit ||
Sañjaya said: O King, no warrior’s judgment was more shattered than Śalya’s—whether in arranging the battle-formations or in the very exertion of valor. His capacity to coordinate the troops and to act with clear martial purpose was eclipsed beyond that of any other fighter, suggesting how inner confusion can undo even renowned strength in the midst of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that martial strength alone is insufficient: when judgment is impaired, a leader cannot properly organize forces or act effectively. Ethical and practical leadership in war depends on clarity of mind; inner disturbance can nullify prowess and harm one’s side.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra about Śalya’s condition in the battle context, stating that Śalya’s intellect was more disrupted than any other warrior’s, affecting both the arranging of troop-formations and performance of valor.