Shloka 1
Droṇa-parva Adhyāya 25 — Bhīma’s Disruption of Elephant Formations and Bhagadatta’s Shock Advance
ऑपन--माजल बछ। अकाल पज्चविशो< ध्याय: कौरव-पाण्डव-सैनिकोंके द्वन्द-युद्ध संजय उवाच महद् भैरवमासीज्न: संनिवृत्तेषु पाण्डुषु । दृष्टवा द्रोणं छाद्यमानं तैर्भास्करमिवाम्बुदै:,संजय कहते हैं--महाराज! पाण्डव-सैनिकोंके लौटनेपर जैसे बादलोंसे सूर्य ढक जाते हैं, उसी प्रकार उनके बाणोंसे द्रोणाचार्य आच्छादित होने लगे। यह देखकर हमलोगोंने उनके साथ बड़ा भयंकर संग्राम किया
sañjaya uvāca | mahad bhairavam āsīn naḥ saṃnivṛtteṣu pāṇḍuṣu | dṛṣṭvā droṇaṃ chādyamānaṃ tair bhāskaram ivāmbudaiḥ ||
Sanjaya said: O King, when the Pandavas’ forces had turned back (to re-engage), we witnessed a most dreadful situation. Seeing Droṇa being covered over by their arrows—like the sun veiled by clouds—we entered into a fierce and terrifying battle with him. The verse underscores how, in war, even a revered teacher becomes an object of concentrated attack, and how fear and duty drive the combatants into escalating violence.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical strain of war: even a venerable teacher like Droṇa becomes a target when duty and survival dominate the battlefield. It reflects how collective fear and obligation can intensify violence, raising questions about dharma when revered figures are drawn into ruthless conflict.
Sanjaya reports to the king that the Pandava forces have returned to the fight and are showering Droṇa with arrows so densely that he appears covered, like the sun hidden by clouds. Seeing this, the Kaurava side engages in a fierce counter-battle around Droṇa.