Shloka 42
Vāg-yuddha and Nimitta-darśana before the Gadāyuddha
Verbal Duel and Omens
सदश्चवाविव हेषन्तौ बृहन्ताविव कुञ्जरौ । वृषभाविव गर्जन्तौ दुर्योधनवृकोदरौ
sadaścavāviva heṣantau bṛhantāviva kuñjarau | vṛṣabhāviva garjantau duryodhana-vṛkodarau
Sañjaya berkata: “Duryodhana dan Vṛkodara (Bhīma) meringkik seperti kuda-kuda tangguh, menjulang seperti gajah-gajah besar, dan mengaum seperti banteng-banteng perkasa.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how the fury of war amplifies pride and aggression, portraying even great warriors through animal similes. Implicitly, it warns that when anger and rivalry dominate, human discernment and dharmic restraint can be eclipsed by brute force.
Sañjaya describes Duryodhana and Bhīma at the height of confrontation, emphasizing their intimidating sounds and presence—neighing, looming like elephants, and roaring like bulls—signaling an imminent, violent clash between the two principal antagonists.