Shloka 34
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
किरज्छरसहस्राणि सुप्रतीकशिरोगत: । ऐरावतस्थो मघवान् वारिधारा इवानघ,निष्पाप नरेश! भगदत्त सुप्रतीककी पीठपर बैठकर सहस्रों बाणोंकी वर्षा करने लगे, मानो देवराज इन्द्र ऐगावतपर आरूढ़ हो झलकी धारा गिरा रहे हों
sañjaya uvāca | kiracchara-sahasrāṇi supratīka-śiro-gataḥ | airāvata-stho maghavān vāridhārā iva anagha niṣpāpa nareśa |
Sañjaya dit : Assis sur Supratīka, au-dessus de sa tête, Bhagadatta déversa des milliers de flèches—tel Maghavan (Indra) monté sur Airāvata, faisant tomber des nappes de pluie. Ainsi, ô roi sans péché, il fit pleuvoir les armes sur le champ de bataille, attisant la fureur de la guerre.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of formidable martial capacity in war, using a divine simile to frame human action within a larger cosmic imagination. Ethically, it underscores how battlefield prowess can appear awe-inspiring and ‘godlike,’ even while serving the destructive momentum of war—inviting reflection on power, duty, and consequence.
Sañjaya describes Bhagadatta fighting from atop his elephant Supratīka, showering the enemy with countless arrows. His assault is compared to Indra riding Airāvata and sending down torrents of rain.