Shloka 26
Śiva’s Battlefield Manifestation and Vyāsa’s Śatarudrīya Exposition (शिवप्रादुर्भावः शतरुद्रीयव्याख्यानम्)
तथा हयसहसैश्न नानाशस्त्रैरवाकिरत् । राजन! उधर शकुनिने कई हजार रथों, सहस्रों हाथियों और सहखौरों घोड़ोंद्वारा अर्जुनको चारों ओरसे घेरकर उनपर नाना प्रकारके शस्त्रोंकी वर्षा प्रारम्भ कर दी || २५३ || ते महास्त्राणि सर्वाणि विकिरन्तो<र्जुनं प्रति
sañjaya uvāca | tathā hayasahasaiś ca nānāśastrair avākirat | rājan, tataḥ śakunir anekai rathasahasraiḥ sahasrair hastibhiḥ sahasraiś ca hayaiḥ pārtham arjunaṃ samantād āvṛtya nānāvidhaiḥ śastraiḥ śaravarṣaṃ prārabhata | te mahāstrāṇi sarvāṇi vikiranto 'rjunaṃ prati |
サンジャヤは言った。「同じく、数えきれぬ馬勢と種々の武器とで、彼らは飛び道具を雨のごとく浴びせた。大王よ、そのときシャクニは幾千の戦車、幾千の戦象、幾千の戦馬をもってアルジュナを四方から包囲し、さまざまな武器の激しい雨を彼に降らせ始めた。かくして、あらゆる大威力の武器がアルジュナめがけて投じられた。」
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how adharma often relies on numerical advantage and coordinated pressure, while dharma in battle is tested through steadiness and skill under overwhelming assault. It frames the ethical tension of war: power can be amassed, yet righteousness is measured by conduct and resolve amid crisis.
Sanjaya reports to King Dhritarashtra that Shakuni arranges a massive encirclement of Arjuna using thousands of chariots, elephants, and horses, and begins a concentrated barrage—an intense ‘rain’ of weapons—directed at Arjuna.