Shloka 19
भीमसेन-द्रोण-संग्रामः
Bhīmasena and Droṇa: Containment, Advance, and Recognition
अतीत्य मरुधन्वानं प्रयान्तौ तृषितो गजौ । पीत्वा वारि समाश्र्स्तौ तथैवास्तामरिंदमौ,जैसे मरुभूमिको लाँघकर जाते हुए दो प्यासे हाथी पानी पीकर तृप्त एवं संतुष्ट हो गये हों, उसी प्रकार शत्रुओंका दमन करनेवाले श्रीकृष्ण और अर्जुन भी शत्रुसेनाको लाँधचकर अत्यन्त प्रसन्न हुए थे
atītya marudhanvānaṃ prayāntau tṛṣito gajau | pītvā vāri samāśvastau tathaivāstām arindamau ||
Sañjaya berkata: Seperti dua gajah yang kehausan, setelah melintasi hamparan gurun, minum air lalu menjadi tenteram dan puas, demikian pula Kṛṣṇa dan Arjuna—penakluk musuh—setelah menerobos bala tentara lawan, merasakan lega dan keyakinan yang menggembirakan.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse teaches endurance and steadiness: when one persists through a harsh passage (like a desert), reaching a sustaining goal (water) restores clarity and courage. In the epic’s ethical frame, rightful effort in a grave duty can bring inner reassurance even amid युद्ध (war).
Sañjaya describes Kṛṣṇa and Arjuna after they have forced their way past the opposing forces. Their renewed confidence is compared to two thirsty elephants that, after crossing a desert, finally drink water and become calm and satisfied.