Shloka 35
Chapter 51: Saṃdhyākāla-saṃhāra
Evening Withdrawal after Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
प्रगृहीताग्रहस्तेन वैराटिरपि दन्तिना । अभ्यद्रवत राजानं मद्राधिपतिमुत्तर:
sañjaya uvāca |
pragṛhītāgrahastena vairāṭir api dantinā |
abhyadravat rājānaṃ madrādhipatim uttaraḥ ||
उसी समय सूँड़ को मोड़कर मुख के पास रखे हुए उस दन्ती हाथी पर आरूढ़ विराट-कुमार उत्तर ने मद्राधिपति राजा शल्य पर धावा किया।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya valor expressed as direct engagement with a formidable opponent; ethically, it also implies that courage in war must be balanced with discernment, since rash heroism can endanger oneself and one’s side.
Sañjaya reports that Uttara, riding a tusked elephant with its trunk curled and held close, rushes to attack King Śalya, the ruler of Madra, during the battle.