Shloka 14
अध्याय २९: कर्णस्य शल्यं प्रति शापस्मरणं च युद्धनिश्चयः | Chapter 29: Karṇa recalls curses to Śalya and declares resolve for battle
जलदनिनदनिःस्वनं रथं पवनविधूतपताककेतनम् । सितहयमुपयान्तमन्तिकं हृतमनसो ददृशुस्तदारय:,अर्जुनके रथसे मेघकी गर्जनाके समान गम्भीर ध्वनि हो रही थी, पवनकी प्रेरणा पाकर उसकी ऊँची पताका फहरा रही थी और उसमें श्वेत घोड़े जुते हुए थे। उस समय शत्रुओंने उत्साहशून्य हृदयसे उस रथको समीप आते देखा
jaladaninadaniḥsvanaṁ rathaṁ pavanavidhūtapātākaketanaṁ | sitahayam upayāntam antikaṁ hṛtamanaso dadṛśus tadārayāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Then the foes, their hearts drained of spirit, saw Arjuna’s chariot drawing near—its sound deep as the rumbling of thunderclouds, its lofty banner and ensign whipped by the wind, and its team of white horses shining as it advanced. The verse underscores how righteous resolve and disciplined prowess can unnerve an aggressor even before weapons strike, as morale collapses in the face of an approaching, well-ordered force.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical and practical force of steadfast resolve in a dharma-oriented battle: disciplined power and clear purpose can break an unjust opponent’s morale even before direct combat, showing that inner strength and order are decisive factors in war.
Sañjaya describes Arjuna’s chariot advancing toward the enemy with a thunder-like roar; its banner flutters in the wind and white horses draw it forward. Seeing it approach, the opposing warriors become dispirited and lose heart.