Shloka 1226
Daiva–Puruṣakāra Discourse and the Elephant-Corps Engagement (भीमगजानीक-सम्भ्रान्ति)
महाव्यूह: कलिज्रानामेकेन मृदितस्त्वया । “आपने अकेले अपनी ही भुजाओंके बल और पराक्रमसे कलिंगोंके उस महान् व्यूहको रौंदकर मिट्टीमें मिला दिया
sañjaya uvāca | mahāvyūhaḥ kaliṅgānām ekena mṛditas tvayā |
“Engkau seorang diri telah menghancurkan dan menggilas formasi agung bangsa Kalinga. Dengan kekuatan lengan dan keberanianmu sendiri, engkau memecah susunan rapat itu—penuh gajah, kuda, dan kereta—hingga menjadi puing. Banyak di antara mereka tergolong insan terkemuka di dunia, dan tak terbilang para kesatria tabah-berani berlindung dalam formasi besar itu.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the epic ideal of kṣatriya valor and battlefield competence: a single warrior’s disciplined strength and courage can overturn even a formidable, well-equipped formation. Ethically, it frames martial prowess as a duty-bound excellence within the war narrative, emphasizing resolve and capability rather than cruelty.
Sanjaya reports to Dhritarashtra that one warrior (addressed as “you”) has single-handedly shattered the Kalingas’ massive battle-array, despite it being filled with elephants, horses, and chariots and defended by many renowned, steadfast fighters.