Shloka 193
रणभूमिवर्णनम् — Devāsuropama-yuddha and the ‘River’ Metaphor of the Battlefield
तदा तु तावकान् राजन्नाविवेश महद् भयम् । राजन! कर्णके मारे जानेसे प्रसन्न हुए कुन्तीके पुत्र जब सिंहनाद करने लगे, उस समय आपके पुत्रोंके मनमें बड़ा भारी भय समा गया
tadā tu tāvakān rājann āviveśa mahad bhayam |
Sañjaya said: “But then, O King, a great fear entered the hearts of your men. When Kuntī’s sons, gladdened at the slaying of Karṇa, began to roar like lions, your sons were seized by overwhelming dread.” Ethically, the verse highlights how the fall of a principal champion can collapse morale and expose the inner fragility of those who rely on power rather than steadiness of mind and dharma.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical and psychological truth that dependence on a single powerful protector breeds insecurity; when that support falls, fear rapidly spreads. Inner steadiness and dharmic resolve, not mere external strength, sustain a community in crisis.
After Karṇa is slain, the Pāṇḍavas (Kuntī’s sons) roar triumphantly like lions. Hearing this, the Kaurava side—addressed as ‘your men’ by Sañjaya to the king—becomes overwhelmed by great fear.