Shloka 29
Virāṭa-parva Adhyāya 33 — Kuru Cattle-Raid and Matsya Mobilization (भूमिंजय-प्रेरणा)
तद् दृष्टवा तादृशं युद्ध सुशर्मा युद्धदुर्मद: । चिन्तयामास मनसा किं शेषं हि बलस्य मे । अपरो दृश्यते सैन्ये पुरा मग्नो महाबले,ऐसा भयानक युद्ध देख रणोन्मत्त सुशर्मा मन-ही-मन सोचने लगा, “जान पढ़ता है, मेरी सेना बुरी तरह मारी जायगी; क्योंकि मेरा दूसरा भाई भी पहलेसे ही इस विशाल सैन्य- समुद्रमें डूबा हुआ दिखायी देता है”
tad dṛṣṭvā tādṛśaṃ yuddhaṃ suśarmā yuddha-durmadaḥ | cintayāmāsa manasā kiṃ śeṣaṃ hi balasya me | aparaḥ dṛśyate sainye purā magno mahābale ||
ヴァイシャンパーヤナは語った。かくも凄惨な戦いを目の当たりにして、戦の驕りに酔うスシュルマーは胸中で思い巡らした――「いまや我が力に何が残るというのか。この大軍のただ中で、もう一人の兄弟までもが、戦場という広大な海に呑まれたかのように沈んで見える」。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how martial arrogance collapses when confronted with the tangible losses of war. Ethical awareness arises not from boasting but from recognizing the fragility of power and the human cost—especially when one’s own kin are being overwhelmed.
As the fighting turns terrifying, Suśarmā observes the intensity of the battle and realizes his forces are being consumed. He inwardly questions what strength will remain to him, noting that even his other brother appears already overwhelmed within the vast army.