Shloka 23
Bhūriśravas–Sātyaki Saṃvāda and Duel; Arjuna’s Intervention (भूरिश्रवाः–सात्यकि संवादः, युद्धम्, अर्जुन-हस्तक्षेपः)
सात्वतो निशितैर्बाणैर्गजानीकमयोधयत् | पर्वतानिव वर्षेण तपान्ते जलदो महान्,सात्यकिने भी पैने बाणोंद्वारा गजसेनाके साथ युद्ध प्रारम्भ किया, मानो वर्षाकालमें महान् मेघ पर्वतोंपर जलकी धारा बरसा रहा हो
sātvato niśitair bāṇair gajānīkam ayodhayat | parvatān iva varṣeṇa tapānte jalado mahān |
Sañjaya said: The Sātvata hero (Sātyaki), with his razor-sharp arrows, began to engage the elephant-corps in battle—like a great rain-cloud at the end of summer pouring down torrents upon the mountains. The image underscores the irresistible, impersonal force of martial prowess unleashed in the dharmic crisis of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of resolute action in battle and uses a natural simile to frame martial force as overwhelming and inevitable. Ethically, it reflects how, once war is joined in a dharmic conflict, disciplined prowess is portrayed as a duty-driven force rather than personal cruelty.
Sañjaya describes Sātyaki (called the Sātvata) launching a fierce attack with sharp arrows against the enemy elephant-corps. His assault is compared to a massive rain-cloud at summer’s end drenching mountains—suggesting continuous, heavy volleys and unstoppable momentum.