Shloka 196
बभ्रुवाहन-धनंजययोः संग्रामः
Babhruvāhana and Dhanaṃjaya’s engagement at Maṇipūra
निवर्ततां च शब्दो5भूत् पूर्णस्येव महोदधे: । उनमेंसे कुछ लोग भागने लगे
nivartatāṁ ca śabdo 'bhūt pūrṇasyeva mahodadheḥ |
वैशम्पायन बोले—उनमें से कुछ भागने लगे, कुछ फिर धावा करने लगे और कुछ युद्ध से हटने लगे। ‘निवर्तो, निवर्तो’ ऐसा शब्द उठा; उनका कोलाहल जल से भरे महासागर की गम्भीर गर्जना के समान था।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how war amplifies inner instability: the same moment produces flight, renewed attack, and withdrawal. The ocean-like roar symbolizes collective passion and confusion, reminding readers that ethical steadiness (dharma) is hardest to maintain amid violent turmoil.
As combatants begin to turn back or disengage, a massive clamour rises. The scene is described through a powerful simile: their noise resembles the deep, resonant roar of a full ocean.