Shloka 10
Dvīpa–Sāgara–Parvata Varṇana and Svarbhānu
Rāhu) Graha-pramāṇa (Dvīpas, Oceans, Mountains, and Astral Measures
पाण्डवानां महासैन्यं यं दृष्टवोद्यतमाहवे । प्रावेपत भयोद्िग्नं सिंहं दृष्टवेव गोगण:,जैसे गौओंका झुंड सिंहके देखते ही भयसे व्याकुल हो उठता है, उसी प्रकार जिन्हें युद्धमें हथियार उठाये देख पाण्डवोंकी विशाल वाहिनी भयसे उद्विग्न होकर थरथर काँपने लगती थी, वे ही शत्रुसैन्यसंहारक भीष्म दस दिनोंतक आपकी सेनाका संरक्षण करके अत्यन्त दुष्कर पराक्रम प्रकट करते हुए अन्तमें सूर्यकी भाँति अस्ताचलको चले गये
pāṇḍavānāṃ mahāsainyaṃ yaṃ dṛṣṭvoddyatam āhave | prāvepata bhayodvignaṃ siṃhaṃ dṛṣṭveva gogaṇaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Seeing that vast army of the Pāṇḍavas standing ready for battle, it trembled in fear—just as a herd of cattle quivers at the sight of a lion. (In the surrounding narration, this image underscores how Bhīṣma’s presence and prowess could make even a mighty host falter, while also foreshadowing the severe cost of war and the grim duty of warriors bound to their chosen side.)
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the psychological dimension of dharma-yuddha: beyond weapons and numbers, morale and fear shape outcomes. The lion-and-cattle simile conveys how perceived superiority or reputation can cause even a strong force to waver, reminding readers that war tests inner steadiness as much as outer strength.
Sañjaya describes the battlefield reaction to the sight of the Pāṇḍavas’ vast, battle-ready host: it trembles in fear like cattle before a lion. The line functions as a vivid report to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, emphasizing the intensity of the confrontation and the shifting emotions within the armies.