Shloka 476
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
विदार्य प्राविशन् क्षिप्रं वल्मीकमिव पन्नगा: । जैसे सर्प बाँबीमें प्रवेश करते हैं, उसी प्रकार वे तोमर हाथीपर पड़े हुए सुवर्णभूषित श्रेष्ठ कवचको छिलन्न-भिन्न करके शीघ्र ही उसके शरीरमें घुस गये
vidārya prāviśan kṣipraṁ valmīkam iva pannagāḥ |
Sañjaya berkata: Setelah mengoyakkannya, mereka segera masuk—seperti ular menyusup ke dalam busut anai-anai. Demikianlah lembing tomara, sesudah merobek baju zirah terbaik yang berhias emas pada gajah itu, dengan pantas menembusi hingga ke tubuhnya.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the harsh reality of war: even the finest defenses can be breached, and violence advances with an almost natural inevitability. Ethically, it serves as a sobering reminder of the cost of conflict and the fragility of bodily protection amid adharma-driven destruction.
Sañjaya describes weapons (tomaras) striking an armored war-elephant. The spears tear through the gold-adorned armor and penetrate the elephant’s body, compared to snakes quickly entering an anthill.