Shloka 16
हिरण्यपुरवर्णन–रौद्रास्त्रप्रयोगः
Hiraṇyapura Described and the Deployment of the Raudra Weapon
शतघ्नीभिर्भुशुण्डीमि: खड्गैश्षित्रै: स्वलंकृतै: । प्रगृहीतैर्दिते: पुत्रा: प्रादुरासन् सहस्रशः:,भारत! तदनन्तर निवातकवचनामक सभी दैत्य आभूषणोंसे विभूषित हो भाँति- भाँतिके कवच धारण किये, हाथोंमें विचित्र आयुध लिये, लोहेके बने हुए बड़े-बड़े शूल, गदा, मुसल, पट्टिश, करवाल, रथ-चक्र, शतघ्नी (तोप), भुशुण्डि (बंदूक) तथा रत्नजटित विचित्र खड़ग आदि लेकर सहस्रोंकी संख्यामें नगरसे बाहर आये
śataghnībhiḥ bhuśuṇḍībhiḥ khaḍgaiś citraiḥ su-alaṅkṛtaiḥ | pragṛhītair diteḥ putrāḥ prādurāsan sahasraśaḥ, bhārata |
Arjuna said: “O Bhārata, thereafter the sons of Diti appeared in their thousands, holding in their hands śataghnīs, bhuśuṇḍīs, and brilliantly ornamented, variegated swords—fully armed and ready for battle.” The scene underscores the swelling force of adharma as it gathers strength through intimidation and weaponry, setting the stage for a contest where courage and right conduct must stand firm against sheer numbers and display of power.
अजुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how forces aligned with adharma often rely on spectacle—numbers, ornamentation, and weaponry—to intimidate. Ethically, it prepares the listener to value steadiness, discernment, and righteous resolve over fear induced by outward power.
Arjuna describes a sudden mass emergence of the Daityas (sons of Diti), fully armed with formidable weapons such as śataghnīs, bhuśuṇḍīs, and ornate swords, appearing in great numbers as a prelude to confrontation.