Shloka 24
पश्य ध्वजांक्ष द्रवतो विशोक नागान् हयान् पत्तिसंघांश्व संख्ये रथान् विकीर्णान् शरशक्तिताडितान् पश्यस्वैतान् रथिनश्वैव सूत
paśya dhvajāṃś ca dravato viśoka nāgān hayān pattisaṃghāṃś ca saṃkhye | rathān vikīrṇān śaraśakti-tāḍitān paśyasvaitān rathinaś caiva sūta viśoka ||
Bhīmasena dit : «Regarde, Viśoka : dans cette bataille, vois les étendards des chars en fuite, les éléphants, les chevaux et les masses de fantassins. Ô cocher, regarde aussi ces chars et ces guerriers de char, épars de tous côtés, frappés et meurtris par les flèches et les lances.»
भीमसेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the stark consequences of war: formations break, warriors flee, and even elite chariot-fighters are reduced to scattered wreckage. It functions as a moral and psychological reminder that martial pride must face the reality of suffering and collapse on the battlefield.
Bhīma addresses Viśoka and the charioteer, directing their attention to the battlefield scene—fleeing chariots with their banners, elephants, horses, and infantry, and chariots/chariot-warriors lying dispersed after being struck by arrows and spears—highlighting the momentum and devastation of the ongoing combat.