Shloka 39
Adhyāya 65: Dawn Assembly, Makara–Śyena Vyūhas, and Commander Engagements
तस्य नादेन महता मनोहृदयकम्पिना । व्यत्यचेष्टन्त संहत्य गजा भीमस्य गर्जत:,मन और हृदयको कँपा देनेवाली गर्जते हुए भीमसेनकी उस भीषण गर्जनासे सब हाथी एकत्र हो भयके मारे निश्चेष्ट एवं अचेत-से हो गये
tasya nādena mahatā manohṛdayakampinā | vyatyaceṣṭanta saṁhatya gajā bhīmasya garjataḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Shaken in mind and heart by that mighty, thunderous roar of Bhīmasena, the elephants, crowding together, became helpless—stunned and motionless in fear. The scene underscores how sheer force and terror can paralyze even the powerful in war, where courage and steadiness of heart become decisive virtues.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In battle, inner steadiness is as crucial as physical strength: fear can immobilize even the strongest (like war-elephants), while a warrior’s controlled ferocity and presence can break the opponent’s morale.
Sañjaya describes Bhīmasena’s terrifying roar on the battlefield; its force makes the elephants bunch together and become stunned, motionless, and panic-stricken.