Shloka 96
शशाड्कसूर्याविव मेघनि:स्वनै- विरिजतुस्तौ पुरषर्षभौ तदा | दोनों दलोंमें होती हुई मृदंग, भेरी, पणव और आनक आदि वाद्योंकी ध्वनिके साथ वे दोनों नरश्रेष्ठ जोर-जोरसे सिंहनाद कर रहे थे, उस समय वे दोनों पुरुषरत्न मेघोंकी गम्भीर गर्जनाके साथ उदित हुए चन्द्रमा और सूर्यके समान प्रकाशित हो रहे थे
śaśāṅka-sūryāv iva megha-niḥsvanaiḥ virajatuḥ tau puruṣarṣabhau tadā |
Sañjaya said: Amid the deep, cloud-like roar of war-drums—mṛdaṅgas, bherīs, paṇavas, and ānakas—those two foremost of men raised mighty lion-roars. In that moment they shone forth like the moon and the sun rising together, radiant and awe-inspiring on the battlefield.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of fearless resolve and public responsibility in battle: true leaders steady their side through courage and presence, symbolized by radiant imagery (moon and sun) and the disciplined, collective rhythm of martial instruments.
Sañjaya describes two great warriors on the battlefield. As drums and war-instruments thunder like clouds, the two heroes roar like lions and appear brilliantly radiant—compared to the moon and sun rising—signaling the escalation and intensity of the combat scene.