Shloka 44
Gadā-yuddhe Bhīma–Duryodhanayoḥ Tumulaḥ Saṃprahāraḥ
Mace-duel’s intense exchange
उन्मत्तमिव मातज्ूं तलशब्दैर्नराधिपा: । भूय: संहर्षयांचक्रुर्दुयोधनममर्षणम्
sañjaya uvāca |
unmattam iva mātaṅgaṃ talaśabdair narādhipāḥ |
bhūyaḥ saṃharṣayāṃ cakrur duryodhanam amarṣaṇam ||
Laksana para raja, dengan tepukan tangan, membangkitkan kegilaan gajah yang sedang mabuk musth, demikian pula mereka kembali membakar Duryodhana yang lekas murka, memenuhi dirinya lagi dengan kegirangan dan gairah perang.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse cautions that public praise and group excitement can amplify a leader’s anger and pride, pushing him toward reckless violence—much like provoking a maddened elephant. Ethically, it highlights the responsibility of advisers and peers to restrain harmful impulses rather than inflame them.
Sañjaya describes how the surrounding kings, by clapping and cheering, once again stirred Duryodhana—known for his irascibility—renewing his enthusiasm and battle-fury, as one might excite a frenzied elephant with loud claps.