Shloka 50
Adhyāya 104 — Śikhaṇḍin-puraskāraḥ (Śikhaṇḍin as Vanguard) and Bhīṣma’s Counter-Advance
अथापरेण भल््लेन माधवस्य ध्वजोत्तमम् | चिच्छेद समरे द्रौणि: सिंहनादं मुमोच ह,इसके बाद दूसरे भल्लसे समरभूमिमें अश्वत्थामाने सात्यकिके उत्तम ध्वजको काट डाला और बड़े जोरसे सिंहनाद किया
athāpareṇa bhallena mādhavasya dhvajottamam | ciccheda samare drauṇiḥ siṃhanādaṃ mumoca ha ||
Kemudian, dengan satu anak panah tajam lagi, putra Droṇa, Aśvatthāman, di tengah pertempuran menebas panji perang Mādhava yang gemilang, lalu mengaum bagaikan singa dengan dahsyat.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how war targets not only bodies but also symbols—standards, emblems, and public displays of confidence. Severing a banner and roaring like a lion is a tactic to break morale, reminding readers that ethical reflection on warfare must include psychological intimidation and the manipulation of honor.
In the thick of battle, Aśvatthāman (Droṇa’s son) uses another sharp arrow to cut down Mādhava’s (Kṛṣṇa’s) excellent standard and then proclaims his triumph with a loud lion-roar, signaling dominance and attempting to intimidate the opposing forces.