Shloka 37
Bhīmasena–Drauṇi Mahāyuddha
Chariot Duel and Astra-Exchange
सेनयोरुभयो राजन प्रावाद्यन्त महास्वना: । सिंहनादश्न संजज्ञे शूराणां जयगृद्धिनाम्,राजन! तदनन्तर दोनों सेनाओंमें चारों ओर महान् शब्द करनेवाले शंख, भेरी, पणव, आनक, दुन्दुभि और झाँझ आदि बाजे बज उठे। नगाड़े पीटे जाने लगे। साथ ही विजयकी अभिलाषा रखनेवाले शूरवीरोंका सिंहनाद भी होने लगा
senayor ubhayo rājan prāvādyanta mahāsvanāḥ | siṃhanādaś ca saṃjajñe śūrāṇāṃ jayagṛddhinām ||
Sañjaya said: “O King, on both sides of the armies, instruments of great volume were sounded all around; and among the warriors—eager for victory—a lion-like roar arose as well.” The verse heightens the moral tension of war: the outward clamor of drums and conches mirrors the inner surge of ambition and resolve that drives combatants toward triumph, regardless of the grave cost.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how war amplifies human drives—especially the hunger for victory (jaya-gṛddhi). The loud instruments and lion-roars symbolize collective resolve and competitive desire, reminding the listener that martial enthusiasm can eclipse reflection on dharma and the suffering war entails.
Sañjaya reports to the king that both armies begin sounding powerful war-instruments and raising fierce battle-cries. It marks the intensification of the battlefield atmosphere immediately before or during a major clash.