Shloka 196
बभ्रुवाहन-धनंजययोः संग्रामः
Babhruvāhana and Dhanaṃjaya’s engagement at Maṇipūra
निवर्ततां च शब्दो5भूत् पूर्णस्येव महोदधे: । उनमेंसे कुछ लोग भागने लगे
nivartatāṁ ca śabdo 'bhūt pūrṇasyeva mahodadheḥ |
Vaiśampāyana dit : Un grand rugissement s’éleva lorsque les guerriers firent volte-face—profond et gonflant, tel le tonnerre grave d’un océan plein et déchaîné. Dans ce tumulte, les uns fuyaient, les autres chargeaient encore, et d’autres se retiraient du combat, révélant la confusion morale et la résolution vacillante que la guerre fait naître chez les hommes.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how war amplifies inner instability: the same moment produces flight, renewed attack, and withdrawal. The ocean-like roar symbolizes collective passion and confusion, reminding readers that ethical steadiness (dharma) is hardest to maintain amid violent turmoil.
As combatants begin to turn back or disengage, a massive clamour rises. The scene is described through a powerful simile: their noise resembles the deep, resonant roar of a full ocean.