Shloka 41
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
रथांश्व बहुधा भग्नान् हेमकिड्किणिन: शुभान्,“देखो, सोनेकी छोटी-छोटी घंटियोंसे सुशोभित बहुसंख्यक रथोंके कितने ही टुकड़े हो गये हैं और नाना प्रकारके घोड़े लहूलुहान होकर पड़े हैं। अनुकर्ष, उपासंग, पताका, नाना प्रकारके ध्वज, योद्धाओंके सब ओर बिखरे हुए बड़े-बड़े श्वेत शंख तथा कितने ही पर्वताकार हाथी जीभ निकाले सोये पड़े हैं
sañjaya uvāca | rathān aśvān bahudhā bhagnān hemakiṅkiṇinaḥ śubhān |
Sañjaya said: “Behold—many splendid chariots, adorned with golden tinkling bells, have been shattered into pieces in countless ways; and horses of various kinds lie fallen, drenched in blood. Harness-gear and fittings, banners and many sorts of standards are scattered on every side; great white conches lie strewn about; and many mountain-like elephants, their tongues lolling out, lie as though asleep.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the stark impermanence of martial glory: splendid war-gear and mighty beings are reduced to ruin. Through Sañjaya’s witness, the epic invites reflection on the cost of violence and the fragility of worldly power.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the battlefield aftermath: chariots with golden bells are shattered, horses lie bloodied, military equipment and banners are strewn everywhere, conches are scattered, and huge elephants lie dead or dying, described as if asleep.