Shloka 5
ऊर्ध्वरोमा हरिश्मश्रु: शड्कुकर्णो महाहनु: । आकर्णदारितास्यश्व तीक्ष्णदंष्ट: करालवान्,संजयने कहा--राजन्! घटोत्कचका शरीर बहुत बड़ा था। उसकी आँँखें सुर्ख रंगकी थीं। मुँह ताँबेके रंगका और पेट धँसा हुआ था। उसके रोएँ ऊपरकी ओर उठे हुए थे, दाढ़ी- मूँछ काली थी, ठोड़ी बड़ी दिखायी देती थी। मुँह कानोंतक फटा हुआ था, दाढ़ें तीखी होनेके कारण वह विकराल जान पड़ता था
ūrdhvaromā hariśmaśruḥ śaṅkukarṇo mahāhanuḥ | ākarṇadāritāsyaśvaḥ tīkṣṇadaṃṣṭraḥ karālavān |
Sañjaya said: “O King, he was bristling with hair standing on end, with tawny-dark moustache and beard, conch-shaped ears, and a massive jaw. His horse’s mouth was split wide up to the ears; with sharp fangs and a terrifying visage, he appeared utterly dreadful.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily serves narrative-ethical purpose rather than direct instruction: it shows how terrifying appearances and supernatural warfare amplify fear on the battlefield, reminding that war is not only physical combat but also a contest of morale and perception—an aspect that complicates dharma in battle.
Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra a vivid, frightening description of the warrior’s (contextually Ghaṭotkaca’s) form and mount, emphasizing monstrous features—bristling hair, sharp fangs, and a mouth split to the ears—to convey the panic and awe his presence inspires among the opposing forces.