Shloka 576
Cakravyūha-saṃkalpaḥ, Saṃśaptaka-āhvānaṃ, Saubhadra-vikrīḍitam
Drona Parva, Adhyāya 32
रथशक्ती: समुत्क्षिप्प भृशं सिंहा इवानदन् । अपने धनुष कट जानेपर विषहीन भुजंगमोंके समान उन शूरवीरोंने रथ-शक्तियोंको ऊपर उठाकर सिंहोंके समान भयंकर गर्जना की
sañjaya uvāca | rathaśaktīḥ samutkṣipya bhṛśaṃ siṃhā ivānadān |
Sañjaya said: When their bows had been cut down, those heroic warriors—like venomless serpents deprived of their fangs—lifted up their ratha-śaktis (javelins meant for chariot-war) and roared fiercely like lions. In the press of battle, even when a principal weapon is lost, valor seeks another means; their terrifying cry signals unwavering resolve amid the harsh ethics of war, where courage and survival drive the next act.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights steadfastness under adversity: when a primary support (the bow) is lost, a warrior adapts without surrendering courage. In the Mahābhārata’s war-ethic, this reflects kṣatriya resolve—continuing one’s duty in battle by taking up an available means, while the lion-roar symbolizes morale and intimidation as strategic and psychological force.
Sañjaya describes a moment in the fighting where certain warriors have had their bows cut. Instead of retreating, they seize ratha-śaktis (javelins used in chariot combat), raise them aloft, and roar like lions—signaling readiness to strike again despite the loss of their usual weapon.