Shloka 21
Adhyāya 17 — गजयुद्ध-वृत्तान्तः, सहदेव-दुःशासन-संघर्षः, नकुल-कर्ण-समागमः
Elephant-battle account; Sahadeva–Duhshasana clash; Nakula–Karna encounter
ततोडपरे तत्प्रतिमा गजोत्तमा जिगीषव: संयति सव्यसाचिना । तथा कृतास्ते च यथैव तौ द्विपौ ततः प्रभग्नं सुमहद्रिपोर्बलम्,तदनन्तर उसीके समान जो दूसरे-दूसरे गजराज विजयकी इच्छासे युद्धके लिये आगे बढ़े, उन सबकी सव्यसाची अर्जुनने वैसी ही दशा कर डाली, जैसी कि पूर्वोक्त दोनों हाथियोंकी कर दी थी। इससे शत्रुकी उस विशाल सेनामें भगदड़ मच गयी
tato 'pare tatpratimā gajottamā jigīṣavaḥ saṃyati savyasācinā | tathā kṛtās te ca yathaiva tau dvipau tato prabhagnaṃ sumahad ripor balam ||
Sañjaya said: Then other excellent elephants, matching those in might, advanced into battle with the desire to win. Savyasācī Arjuna reduced them to the very same condition as he had done to the two elephants mentioned earlier. Thereupon, a great rout broke out in the enemy’s vast host—showing how, in war, unchecked aggression and pride in brute force collapse when met by disciplined skill and steadfast resolve.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how disciplined mastery (Arjuna’s focused archery) can neutralize even the most intimidating instruments of war (elephants), and how victory in battle depends not only on strength but on skill, composure, and the collapse or steadiness of morale.
After two elephants have already been dealt with, more elite elephants charge forward seeking victory. Arjuna defeats them in the same manner, and this triggers a widespread panic and rout in the enemy’s large army.