Shloka 423
Bhagadatta’s Advance, the Saṃśaptaka Challenge, and Arjuna’s Counterstrike (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय २६)
प्रेषयामास सहसा युयुधानरथं प्रति । उस समय प्राग्ज्योतिषपुरके राजाने उस महान् गजराजको सब ओरसे काबूमें करके सहसा सात्यकिके रथकी ओर बढ़ाया
preṣayāmāsa sahasā yuyudhānarathaṃ prati |
Sanjaya berkata: Saat itu raja Prāgjyotiṣapura, setelah menundukkan sang gajah agung sepenuhnya dalam kendali dari segala sisi, seketika mengarahkannya menerjang ke kereta Sātyaki. Di kancah perang, penguasaan atas tunggangan menjadi senjata, dan niat diukur oleh gerak yang tegas.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the battlefield ethic of the Mahābhārata, power is inseparable from discipline: the king’s ability to control a massive elephant symbolizes mastery over instruments of violence. The verse highlights how decisive intent and controlled force shape outcomes, while also implying the moral weight of directing such force against a worthy opponent.
Sañjaya narrates that the king of Prāgjyotiṣapura, after steadying and controlling his great war-elephant, suddenly charges it toward Sātyaki (Yuyudhāna) and his chariot, initiating a direct and dangerous assault.