Shloka 566
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
संचुकोच महाराज चर्मेवाग्नौ समाहितम् । महाराज! उस हाथीके द्वारा आलोडित होकर पाण्डवोंकी वह विशाल सेना आगपर रखे हुए चमड़ेकी भाँति संकुचित हो गयी
sañcukoca mahārāja carmevāgnau samāhitam |
Sañjaya said: O King, the vast army of the Pāṇḍavas, churned and thrown into confusion by that elephant’s onslaught, contracted and drew inward—like leather shriveling when held to the fire. The image underscores how, in war, even a great host can be morally and materially tested by sudden terror and disorder, and how fear compresses collective resolve unless steadied by discipline and dharma.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how fear and sudden shock can compress even a powerful force; ethical steadiness (dharma), training, and leadership are needed to prevent panic from overwhelming collective duty on the battlefield.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that the Pāṇḍava army, disturbed and battered by an elephant’s violent movement, recoils and bunches up, compared to leather shrinking when exposed to fire.