Shloka 353
नारायणास्त्र-शमनं द्रौणि-प्रहारश्च
Pacification of the Nārāyaṇāstra and Drauni’s Renewed Assault
बभूव तुमुल: शब्दो मेघानां गर्जतामिव । राजन! रणभूमिमें परस्पर धावा करनेवाले रथोंकी घर्घराहटका भयंकर शब्द मेघोंकी गर्जनाके समान जान पड़ता था
sañjaya uvāca | babhūva tumulaḥ śabdo meghānāṃ garjatām iva | rājan! raṇabhūmau parasparaṃ dhāva-karaṇe vale rathānāṃ ghargharāhaṭakaḥ bhayaṅkaraḥ śabdo megha-garjanā-samo jñāyate sma |
Sañjaya said: O King, on the battlefield a tumultuous roar arose—like clouds thundering. The dreadful grinding and rattling sound of chariots charging at one another seemed to be the very thunder of storm-clouds, announcing the fierce collision of warriors and the terror of war’s momentum.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical gravity of war by portraying its overwhelming, fear-inducing force: when violence accelerates (chariots charging), it becomes a natural-catastrophe-like roar, reminding the listener that battle is not merely heroism but also collective terror and destruction.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra that the battlefield has erupted in a thunder-like din—the harsh clatter of chariots rushing at each other—signaling an intense clash between the opposing forces.