Shloka 27
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Sañjaya-saṃvādaḥ; madhyāhna-saṅgrāma-pravṛttiḥ
Dhritarashtra–Sanjaya dialogue and the midday battle escalation
स बभौ रथशार्दूलो ललाटे संस्थितैस्त्रिभि: । शिखरै: काञउ्चनमयैर्मेरुस्त्रिभिरिवोच्छितै:
sa babhau rathaśārdūlo lalāṭe saṃsthitais tribhiḥ | śikharaiḥ kāñcanamayair merus tribhir ivocchritaiḥ ||
Sañjaya dit : Ce tigre parmi les guerriers de char, Aśvatthāman, resplendit avec trois flèches fichées dans son front, tel le mont Meru couronné de trois hauts sommets d’or. L’image souligne qu’au cœur de la rudesse du combat, même les blessures deviennent des marques d’un courage éclatant et d’une endurance inébranlable.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of steadfastness: in righteous warfare, a warrior’s composure under injury and continued resolve are treated as marks of honor. The poetic comparison suggests that dignity and courage can transform even painful wounds into symbols of renown.
Sañjaya describes Aśvatthāmā on the battlefield with three arrows lodged in his forehead. Rather than diminishing him, this makes him appear striking—likened to Mount Meru with three tall golden peaks—emphasizing his formidable presence amid combat.