Shloka 8
आत्मदोष-उपदेशः तथा भीम-धृष्टद्युम्नयोः संयोगः
Self-Causation Counsel and the Bhīma–Dhṛṣṭadyumna Convergence
विशिखोन्मथितैगत्रिर्बाहुभिश्व सकार्मुकै: । सहस्ताभरणैश्चान्यैरभवच्छादिता मही,सारी पृथ्वी बाणोंसे छिन्न-भिन्न हुई लाशों, धनुष तथा हस्ताभरणोंसहित कटी हुई दोनों भुजाओंसे पट गयी थी
viśikhonmathitair gātrair bāhubhiś ca sa-kārmukaiḥ | sahastābharaṇaiś cānyair abhavac chāditā mahī ||
Sañjaya berkata: Bumi tertutup—oleh tubuh-tubuh yang tercabik oleh anak panah, oleh lengan-lengan terpenggal yang masih menggenggam busur, dan oleh anggota-anggota lain dengan perhiasan masih melekat pada tangan.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the grave human cost of warfare: even when fought under the banner of duty, battle results in widespread destruction of bodies and lives. It invites ethical reflection on violence, the weight of kṣatriya-duty, and the impermanence of worldly status symbolized by fallen ornaments and weapons.
Sañjaya describes the battlefield scene to Dhṛtarāṣṭra: the ground is blanketed with mangled bodies and severed arms still holding bows, along with hands adorned with ornaments—vividly portraying the intensity of the fighting and the scale of casualties.