Shloka 2
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 49: Yudhiṣṭhira’s Lament and Strategic Foreboding after Abhimanyu’s Fall
मारुतोद्धूतकेशान्तमुद्यतारिवरायुधम् । वपु: समीक्ष्य पृथ्वीशा दुःसमीक्ष्यं सुरैरपि
mārutoddhūtakeśāntam udyatārivarāyudham | vapuḥ samīkṣya pṛthvīśā duḥsamīkṣyaṃ surair api ||
Melihat wujud sang kesatria raja—ujung rambutnya dihamburkan angin dan senjata-senjata unggulnya terangkat tinggi—para penguasa bumi menyaksikan pemandangan yang demikian menggetarkan, hingga para dewa pun sukar menatapnya.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how the outward force of martial power—wind-tossed hair, weapons raised, a blazing presence—can overwhelm even seasoned rulers. Ethically, it hints at war’s capacity to magnify wrath and spectacle, producing fear and awe that can cloud judgment and compassion.
Sañjaya describes a warrior’s terrifying, battle-ready appearance. The kings watching him are struck by the sight, which is said to be difficult to behold even for the gods—signaling an escalation of intensity and dread on the battlefield.