Shloka 46
भीष्मस्य दुर्योधनं प्रति उपालम्भः
Bhīṣma’s Reproof to Duryodhana
ऊरुस्तम्भ: समभवद् वेपथु: स्वेद एव च । भारत! घटोत्कचका महान् सिंहनाद सुनकर आपके सैनिकोंकी जाँघें अकड़ गयीं, शरीर काँपने लगा और सम्पूर्ण अंगोंसे पसीना निकलने लगा
sañjaya uvāca | ūrustambhaḥ samabhavad vepathuḥ sveda eva ca | bhārata! ghaṭotkacakā mahān siṃhanādaṃ śrutvā tava sainikānāṃ jaṅghāḥ stambhitāḥ śarīraṃ cacāla ca sarvāṅgebhyaḥ svedo niścakrāma |
Dijo Sañjaya: «¡Oh Bharata (Dhritarashtra)! Al oír el poderoso rugido de león de Ghaṭotkaca, tus soldados quedaron con los muslos paralizados; sus cuerpos empezaron a temblar y el sudor brotó de cada miembro.» El verso muestra cómo el miedo puede despojar de hombría incluso a guerreros adiestrados, cuando la agresión guiada por el adharma se enfrenta a una fuerza abrumadora.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the fragility of human composure in war: even armed warriors can be overwhelmed by fear. It implicitly contrasts mere physical strength with inner steadiness, suggesting that unrighteous intent and moral insecurity can magnify panic when confronted by formidable opposition.
Sanjaya reports to Dhritarashtra that Ghaṭotkaca’s powerful battle-cry terrifies the Kaurava troops. The soldiers show classic fear reactions—legs stiffen, bodies tremble, and sweat breaks out—signaling a sudden collapse of morale on the battlefield.