Shloka 19
अध्याय ४ — दुर्योधनस्य असंधि-निश्चयः
Duryodhana’s Refusal of Reconciliation
जाम्बूनदविचित्रं च धूयमानं महद् धनु: । दृश्यते दिक्षु सर्वासु विद्युदभ्रधनेष्विव
jāmbūnadavicitraṃ ca dhūyamānaṃ mahad dhanuḥ | dṛśyate dikṣu sarvāsu vidyud-abhradhaneṣv iva ||
Sañjaya dit : «Ce grand arc, richement incrusté d’or de Jāmbūnada et ondoyant lorsqu’on le brandit, se voit de toutes parts — tel l’éclair qui jaillit au milieu d’épais amas de nuages.»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily heightens the ethical and emotional stakes of the war by portraying martial power through a natural simile: like lightning in storm-clouds, Arjuna’s weapon signifies irresistible force and the awe it inspires—reminding the listener that actions in war carry immense consequence and must be aligned with dharma.
Sañjaya is reporting to Dhṛtarāṣṭra and describes the sight of Arjuna’s magnificent, gold-inlaid bow being brandished. Its movement is so striking that it seems visible in all directions, compared to lightning flashing within thick clouds.