Shloka 726
Arjuna’s Advance toward Bhīṣma; The Gāṇḍīva’s Signal and the Armies’ Convergence (भीष्माभिमुखगमनम् — गाण्डीवनिर्घोष-ध्वजवर्णनम्)
ननाद सुमहानादं विस्फोटमशनेरिव । उन सेनाओंको आते देख प्रतापी राक्षसराज घटोत्कचने बड़े जोरसे सिंहनाद किया, मानो वज्र फट पड़ा हो
nānāda sumahānādaṃ visphoṭam aśaner iva |
Sañjaya said: Seeing the two armies advancing, the mighty rākṣasa-king Ghaṭotkaca let out a tremendous roar—like the explosive crack of a thunderbolt—signaling fierce resolve and the terrifying momentum of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the psychological and moral intensity of battle: sound becomes a symbol of resolve and intimidation. It underscores how warriors project courage and strike fear, reminding readers that war is fought not only with weapons but also with will, presence, and morale.
Sañjaya describes Ghaṭotkaca, seeing the armies approach, unleashing a massive lion-like roar compared to a thunderbolt’s crack—an announcement of his entry and a dramatic escalation of the battlefield atmosphere.