Shloka 286
भीमसेनस्य बहुमहारथसंयुगः
Bhīmasena’s Engagement with Multiple Mahārathas
अनीकं पाण्दुपुत्राणां हाहाभूतमचेतनम् | पाण्डवोंकी सेना अचेत-सी होकर हाहाकार कर रही थी। उसके रथ, हाथी और घोड़े बाणोंसे क्षत-विक्षत हो रहे थे। ध्वजाएँ कटकर धराशायी हो गयी थीं
anīkaṃ pāṇḍuputrāṇāṃ hāhābhūtam acetanam |
Sañjaya said: The battle-array of the sons of Pāṇḍu had become a scene of frantic lamentation, as if stunned and senseless. Overwhelmed by the violence of war, their forces reeled in confusion—an image of how unchecked destruction can momentarily eclipse courage and clarity, even among those fighting for a righteous cause.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the human cost of war: even a dharmic side can be shaken into confusion and lamentation when violence peaks. It invites reflection on restraint, responsibility, and the ethical weight borne by leaders and warriors.
Sañjaya reports that the Pāṇḍava battle-formation has fallen into panic and distress, appearing stunned and disoriented amid the fighting.