Shloka 23
Chapter 30: Formation Disruption, Competing War-Cries, and Nīla’s Fall
Droṇa-parva
ततस्तम: प्रादुरभूदर्जुनस्य रथं प्रति । तस्माच्च तमसो वाच: क्रूरा: पार्थम भर्त्सयन्,तदनन्तर अर्जुनके रथके समीप अन्धकार प्रकट हुआ और उस अंधकारसे क्रूरतापूर्ण बातें कानोंमें, पड़कर अर्जुनको डाँट बताने लगीं
tatas tamaḥ prādurabhūd arjunasya rathaṃ prati | tasmāc ca tamaso vācaḥ krūrāḥ pārtham bhartsayan |
サञ्जयは語った――やがてアルジュナの戦車の周りに、忽然として闇が現れた。その暗がりの中から、荒々しく残忍な声が起こり、パールタ（アルジュナ）を責め立て罵った。まるで戦の道義的重圧のただ中で、彼の決意を揺さぶり、識別を曇らせようとするかのように。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in moments of intense conflict, forces of confusion and fear—symbolized by sudden darkness and cruel voices—can arise to unsettle a warrior’s judgment. Ethically, it points to the need for steadiness and discernment so that one is not driven from dharma by intimidation, panic, or inner turmoil.
Sañjaya reports an ominous event: darkness gathers around Arjuna’s chariot, and from that gloom harsh voices are heard rebuking him. The scene functions as a portent and as psychological pressure in the battlefield setting.