Shloka 396
Vāg-yuddha and Nimitta-darśana before the Gadāyuddha
Verbal Duel and Omens
ददृशाते महात्मानौ सशृज्भाविव पर्वतौ । वे दोनों महामनस्वी योद्धा परस्पर कुपित हुए दो हाथियों, प्रज्वलित हुई दो अग्नियों और शिखरययुक्त दो पर्वतोंके समान दिखायी देते थे
dadṛśāte mahātmānau saśṛṅgāv iva parvatau |
Dijo Sañjaya: Aquellos dos guerreros de gran alma parecían dos montañas cornudas. Se alzaban frente a frente con ira y majestad, y su fuerza y determinación se hacían visibles al confrontarse en medio de la guerra.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the epic ideal of kṣatriya-dharma in its outward form: steadfastness, fearlessness, and unshaken resolve in confrontation. Ethically, it also hints at the tragic grandeur of war—greatness of spirit can coexist with anger and violence, and the narrative invites reflection on how noble qualities are tested and sometimes consumed in conflict.
Sañjaya describes two eminent warriors facing each other in battle. Their presence is compared to two horned/peaked mountains, emphasizing immovability, mass, and intimidating power as they stand opposed, ready to clash.