Somadatta’s Kṣātra-Dharma Accusation; Night Combat, Māyā, and the Fall of Ghaṭotkaca
Droṇa-parva, Adhyāya 131
रथिनां सादिनां चैव तयो: श्रुत्वा तलस्वनम् | भीमसेनस्य निनदं श्रुत्वा घोरं रणाजिरे,उन दोनोंके ताल ठोकनेकी आवाज सुनकर तथा समरांगणमें भीमसेनकी घोर गर्जना सुनकर रथियों और घुड़सवारोंके भी शरीर थर-थर काँपने लगे
rathināṃ sādināṃ caiva tayoḥ śrutvā talasvanam | bhīmasenasya ninadaṃ śrutvā ghoraṃ raṇājire |
Sañjaya berkata: Mendengar dentuman tepukan tapak tangan mereka, dan mendengar raungan dahsyat Bhīmasena di medan perang, bahkan para pahlawan kereta perang dan penunggang kuda pun menggigil tubuhnya.
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights the ethical-psychological reality of warfare: inner steadiness and courage are decisive. A warrior’s resolve can be shaken not only by weapons but by the perceived power and righteousness (or inevitability) behind an opponent’s presence and proclamation.
Sañjaya narrates that the loud palm-clap (a challenge/signal) and Bhīma’s terrifying roar echo across the battlefield, causing even seasoned chariot-fighters and cavalry to tremble—showing the Pandava side’s fierce momentum and the Kaurava troops’ rising fear.