Shloka 326
Bhīmasena’s Kalinga Engagement and the Approach of Bhīṣma (भीमसेन-कालिङ्ग-संग्रामः)
विदर्शयन्त: सम्पेतु: खड्गचर्मपरश्वथै: । कितने ही योद्धा ढाल
vidarśayantaḥ sampetuḥ khaḍga-carma-paraśvathaiḥ |
Banyak kesatria, sambil memamerkan kepiawaian perang, merapat dengan pedang, perisai, dan kapak. Tanpa gentar di hadapan musuh, mereka maju dengan amarah, menggigit bibir dan mengatupkan gigi, lalu menghantam dengan tipu-gerak terlatih—bahkan membidik lambung kiri untuk membelahnya—dan menerjang lawan-lawan mereka.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the battlefield psychology where courage and trained technique are intensified by anger; ethically, it points to the tension between necessary kṣatriya-duty in war and the danger of wrath overwhelming restraint and discernment.
Sañjaya describes warriors surging into close combat, showing feints and tactical moves while wielding swords, shields, and axes, and striking at vulnerable points such as the left flank as they crash upon their enemies.