Shloka 5
Adhyāya 74 (Book 6, Bhīṣma-parva): Bhīma–Duryodhana re-engagement and afternoon escalation
विद्युतं मेघमध्यस्थां भ्राजमानामिवाम्बरे । ददृशुर्गाण्डिवं योधा रुक्मपृष्ठं महामृथे,उस महान् समरमें हमारे पक्षके योद्धाओंने सुवर्णमय पीठसे युक्त गाण्डीवधनुषको आकाश के भीतर मेघोंकी घटामें चमकती हुई बिजलीके समान देखा
vidyutaṁ meghamadhyasthāṁ bhrājamānām ivāmbare | dadṛśur gāṇḍīvaṁ yodhā rukmapṛṣṭhaṁ mahāmṛthe ||
Sanjaya said: In that great clash of arms, our warriors beheld the Gāṇḍīva bow—gold-backed—shining in the sky like lightning flashing amid a mass of clouds. The image conveys not only the weapon’s splendor but also the awe and foreboding that righteous and unrighteous forces alike feel when confronted with overwhelming martial prowess on the battlefield.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how extraordinary power on the battlefield inspires awe and fear, reminding readers that war magnifies consequences and tests discernment; even before action, the mere sight of a mighty weapon can signal the gravity of choices made in conflict.
Sanjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that the Kaurava-side warriors saw Arjuna’s Gāṇḍīva bow, gold-adorned, gleaming like lightning among clouds—an evocative battlefield image emphasizing Arjuna’s formidable presence.