Shloka 18
ववुर्वाता: सनिर्घातास्त्रासयाना वरूथिनीम् | सत्यप्रतिज्ञ द्रोणाचार्यके आगे बढ़ते ही पृथ्वी काँपने लगी और वज्रपातकी आवाजके साथ ही प्रचण्ड आँधी चलने लगी, जो सारी सेनाको डरा रही थी ।। पपात महती चोल्का आदित्यान्निश्वरन्त्युत
sañjaya uvāca |
vavur vātāḥ sanirghātās trāsayānā varūthinīm |
papāta mahatī colkā ādityān niścaranty uta ||
Sañjaya berkata: Dengan dentuman seperti guruh, angin kencang yang ganas pun bertiup, menakutkan bala tentera yang berhimpun. Lalu jatuhlah sebuah meteor besar, seolah-olah terbit dari matahari—suatu alamat buruk yang mengiringi Droṇa, yang teguh pada sumpahnya, ketika beliau mara, menggoncang bumi dan menggelisahkan hati para pahlawan.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in epic ethics, inner resolve (a firm vow) and outward action in war are often mirrored by cosmic portents; such signs function as moral and psychological commentary—intensifying fear, suggesting destiny’s pressure, and reminding listeners that violence in dharma-yuddha still carries grave, unsettling consequences.
As Droṇa, famed for his unwavering pledge, moves forward in battle, the scene is marked by ominous phenomena: thunder-like crashes, violent winds that terrify the troops, and a great meteor falling as if from the sun—signals of impending calamity and heightened tension in the army.