Shloka 2
Adhyāya 74 (Book 6, Bhīṣma-parva): Bhīma–Duryodhana re-engagement and afternoon escalation
पाञ्चजन्यस्य निर्घोषं धनुषो गाण्डिवस्य च । ध्वजं च दृष्टवा पार्थस्य सर्वान् नो भयमाविशत्,पांचजन्यशंख और गाण्डीवधनुषका शब्द सुनकर तथा अर्जुनके ध्वजको देखकर हमारे सब सैनिकोंके मनमें भय समा गया
pāñcajanyasya nirghoṣaṃ dhanuṣo gāṇḍīvasya ca | dhvajaṃ ca dṛṣṭvā pārthasya sarvān no bhayam āviśat ||
Sañjaya said: Hearing the thunderous blast of Pāñcajanya and the twang of the Gāṇḍīva bow, and seeing Arjuna’s banner, fear entered the hearts of all our warriors. The verse underscores how the visible and audible signs of a righteous, resolute champion can shake an opposing army’s morale even before weapons strike—an ethical reminder that inner steadiness and dharmic confidence are themselves forces in war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical-psychological dimension of warfare: dharmic resolve and the recognized symbols of a righteous warrior (conch, bow, banner) can weaken injustice by undermining its confidence. Inner strength and reputation, grounded in dharma, function as real power.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that the Kaurava forces are shaken: the booming of Kṛṣṇa’s conch Pāñcajanya, the sound of Arjuna’s Gāṇḍīva, and the sight of Arjuna’s banner cause fear to spread through their ranks at the outset of battle.