Shloka 63
Arjuna’s Advance toward Bhīṣma; The Gāṇḍīva’s Signal and the Armies’ Convergence (भीष्माभिमुखगमनम् — गाण्डीवनिर्घोष-ध्वजवर्णनम्)
तस्य तं नदतो नादं सुघोरं भीमनि:स्वनम् | श्रुत्वा भीष्मो<ब्रवीद् द्रोणं राजानं च सुयोधनम्,भयंकर आवाजके साथ अत्यन्त घोर शब्द करनेवाले हाथीके उस चीत्कारको सुनकर भीष्मने द्रोणाचार्य तथा राजा दुर्योधनसे कहा--
tasya taṃ nadato nādaṃ sughoraṃ bhīma-niḥsvanam | śrutvā bhīṣmo 'bravīd droṇaṃ rājānaṃ ca suyodhanam ||
Sañjaya said: Hearing that elephant’s terrifying bellow—an exceedingly dreadful roar with a mighty, fearsome resonance—Bhīṣma addressed Droṇa and King Suyodhana (Duryodhana). In the charged atmosphere of battle, the sound becomes a moral and strategic signal: leaders must respond with steadiness and counsel rather than panic.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In war, ominous signs and frightening stimuli test leadership. The verse highlights the duty of commanders to respond with composed judgment and timely counsel, not fear—an ethical demand of kṣatriya leadership under pressure.
An elephant gives a terrifying bellow on the battlefield. Hearing it, Bhīṣma turns to address Droṇa and King Suyodhana, indicating an imminent tactical or morale-related moment that requires guidance and decision.