Shloka 41
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
रथांश्व बहुधा भग्नान् हेमकिड्किणिन: शुभान्
sañjaya uvāca | rathān aśvān bahudhā bhagnān hemakiṅkiṇinaḥ śubhān |
Sañjaya dit : «Voyez—bien des chars splendides, ornés de petites clochettes d’or au tintement clair, ont été brisés en mille morceaux; et des chevaux de toutes sortes gisent à terre, baignés de sang. Harnais et pièces d’attelage, bannières et étendards de maintes formes sont épars de tous côtés; de grandes conques blanches jonchent le sol; et maints éléphants, pareils à des montagnes, la langue pendante, sont étendus comme endormis.»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the stark impermanence of martial glory: splendid war-gear and mighty beings are reduced to ruin. Through Sañjaya’s witness, the epic invites reflection on the cost of violence and the fragility of worldly power.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the battlefield aftermath: chariots with golden bells are shattered, horses lie bloodied, military equipment and banners are strewn everywhere, conches are scattered, and huge elephants lie dead or dying, described as if asleep.