Adhyāya 104 — Śikhaṇḍin-puraskāraḥ (Śikhaṇḍin as Vanguard) and Bhīṣma’s Counter-Advance
अथापरेण भल््लेन माधवस्य ध्वजोत्तमम् | चिच्छेद समरे द्रौणि: सिंहनादं मुमोच ह,इसके बाद दूसरे भल्लसे समरभूमिमें अश्वत्थामाने सात्यकिके उत्तम ध्वजको काट डाला और बड़े जोरसे सिंहनाद किया
athāpareṇa bhallena mādhavasya dhvajottamam | ciccheda samare drauṇiḥ siṃhanādaṃ mumoca ha ||
サञ्जयは語った。ついでドローナの子アシュヴァッターマンは、さらに鋭い矢を放ち、戦いのただ中でマーダヴァの壮麗なる軍旗を断ち落とし、天地を震わす獅子吼を放った。これは武勇の誇示にとどまらず、名誉と士気の象徴を狙って敵を動揺させる、意図的な威嚇でもあった。
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights how war targets not only bodies but also symbols—standards, emblems, and public displays of confidence. Severing a banner and roaring like a lion is a tactic to break morale, reminding readers that ethical reflection on warfare must include psychological intimidation and the manipulation of honor.
In the thick of battle, Aśvatthāman (Droṇa’s son) uses another sharp arrow to cut down Mādhava’s (Kṛṣṇa’s) excellent standard and then proclaims his triumph with a loud lion-roar, signaling dominance and attempting to intimidate the opposing forces.