Shloka 26
Nakula–Śakuni Duel and the Night Battle; Śikhaṇḍin–Kṛpa Engagement (नकुल-शकुनियुद्धं तथा रात्रियुद्धवर्णनम्)
तौ नखैरिव शार्दूलौ दन्तैरिव महाद्विपौ
tau nakhair iva śārdūlau dantair iva mahādvipau
Sañjaya dit : Ces deux-là, tels des tigres par leurs griffes et tels de puissants éléphants par leurs défenses, se jetèrent l’un sur l’autre à bout portant—chacun cherchant à dominer l’autre dans l’étreinte farouche du combat, où force et résolution sont éprouvées sans répit.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily functions as battlefield poetics: it highlights how, in war, combatants can become embodiments of raw force. Ethically, it underscores the Mahabharata’s recurring tension—valor and duty (kṣatriya-dharma) are praised, yet the imagery also reminds the listener of war’s animal-like ferocity and the peril of letting violence define one’s nature.
Sañjaya describes two opposing fighters engaging at close quarters. Their mutual assault is likened to tigers striking with claws and to great elephants goring with tusks, conveying an intense, evenly matched clash.