Shloka 17
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Anxiety and Sañjaya’s Report on the Pandavas’ Coalition
Kāmyaka Context
अपि तद्रथघोषेण भयार्ता सव्यसाचिन: । प्रतिभाति विदीर्णेव सर्वतो भारती चमू:,मुझे तो आज भी सव्यसाची अर्जुनके रथकी घरघराहटसे सारी कौरव-सेना भयातुर हो छिन्न-भिन्न-सी होती प्रतीत हो रही है
api tad-ratha-ghoṣeṇa bhayārtā savyasācinaḥ | pratibhāti vidīrṇeva sarvato bhāratī camūḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Even now, it seems to me that, struck with fear at the thunderous rumble of Savyasācin Arjuna’s chariot, the Bhārata host appears as though shattered—broken apart on every side. The line evokes the moral atmosphere of the war: when prowess is joined to righteous resolve, it can unnerve an unrighteous army even before weapons are exchanged.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the moral-psychological dimension of dharmic strength: the mere presence and momentum of a righteous, formidable warrior can dissolve the confidence of an opposing force. It suggests that fear arises not only from weapons but from the recognition of superior resolve and capability.
Vaiśampāyana describes how Arjuna’s chariot-roar is remembered or envisioned as so intimidating that the Bhārata host seems to break apart in panic on all sides—an image of an army’s cohesion collapsing under the pressure of a renowned warrior’s advance.