Shloka 18
हतैर्निवातकवचैर्निरस्तै: पर्वतोपमै: । समाच्छाद्यत देश: स विकीर्णैरिव पर्वतैः,वहाँ मरकर गिरे हुए पर्वताकार निवातकवच इधर-उधर बिखरे हुए पर्वतोंके समान जान पड़ते थे। वहाँका सारा प्रदेश उनकी लाशोंसे पट गया था
Arjuna uvāca |
hatair nivātakavacair nirastaiḥ parvatopamaiḥ |
samācchādya ta deśaḥ sa vikīrṇair iva parvataiḥ ||
Arjuna said: “That region was completely covered over by the slain Nivātakavacas—cast down and lying like mountains. Scattered in every direction, their fallen bodies made the whole land appear as though strewn with mountains.”
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the stark aftermath of battle: even when warfare is undertaken within a kṣatriya framework of duty, its results are immense destruction. It invites reflection on responsibility, restraint, and the gravity of violence in dharmic action.
Arjuna is describing the scene after the defeat of the Nivātakavacas: their mountain-like bodies lie slain and scattered, so densely covering the land that the region looks as if it is filled with mountains.