भीष्मस्य शरशय्या-प्राप्तिः
Bhīṣma’s Fall to the Arrow-Bed
भगदत्तस्तत: क्रुद्धो माधवं निशितैः शरै: | ताडयामास समरे तोत्रैरिव महागजम्
bhagadattas tataḥ kruddho mādhavaṃ niśitaiḥ śaraiḥ | tāḍayāmāsa samare totrair iva mahāgajam ||
サンジャヤは言った。するとバガダッタは怒りに燃え、戦場で鋭い矢をもってマーダヴァ(クリシュナ)を打った――それは象使いが鉤(アンクシャ)で大象を突き立てて促すがごとくであった。この譬えは攻撃の凄烈さと大胆さを際立たせ、戦の混乱の中で意図的に挑発されてもなお、クリシュナが揺るがぬ大いなる力を保つことを示している。
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the contrast between uncontrolled anger and steadfast strength: Bhagādattā’s wrath drives him to provoke and strike even Mādhava, while the imagery of a ‘great elephant’ suggests unshaken power and composure under attack—an ethical reminder that fury may lash out, but true greatness remains steady.
In the midst of battle, Bhagādattā becomes enraged and shoots sharp arrows at Mādhava (Kṛṣṇa). The poet compares the repeated striking to a mahout prodding a massive elephant with a goad, emphasizing the intensity of the assault.