Shloka 16
रश्मिश्रि: सूर्यरश्म्याभै: संजग्राह हयान् रणे | स तेन सहितस्तस्थावरुणेन यथा रवि:,दीप्तिमान् मुख और कुण्डलोंसे युक्त विरूपाक्ष नामक राक्षस घटोत्कचका सारथि था, जो रणभूमिमें सूर्युकी किरणोंके समान चमकीली बागडोर पकड़कर उन घोड़ोंको काबूमें रखता था। उसके साथ रथपर बैठा हुआ घटोत्कच ऐसा जान पड़ता था, मानो अरुण नामक सारथिके साथ सूर्यदेव अपने रथपर विराजमान हों
saṃjaya uvāca | raśmiśrīḥ sūryaraśmyābhaiḥ saṃjagrāha hayān raṇe | sa tena sahitas tasthāv aruṇena yathā raviḥ ||
Sañjaya said: On the battlefield, Raśmiśrī seized and held the horses with reins that shone like the sun’s rays. With him beside him, Ghaṭotkaca stood out like the Sun himself seated on his chariot together with Aruṇa. The image underscores the terrifying splendor of war—brilliance and power harnessed for destruction—while also highlighting the disciplined control (the charioteer’s mastery) that makes such force effective.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a radiant simile to show that immense power in war becomes effective only when governed by control and skill—symbolized by the charioteer firmly holding the reins. It also hints at the moral tension of battle: dazzling prowess can serve violent ends.
Sañjaya describes a warrior’s chariot scene: the charioteer Raśmiśrī controls the horses with shining reins, and the warrior with him appears like the Sun riding with Aruṇa—an image meant to convey overwhelming brilliance and fearsome presence on the battlefield.