Shloka 40
Śālva’s Elephant Assault and the Counterstroke (शाल्वस्य नागारूढाभ्यवहारः)
नानादेशसमुद्धूता नानानगरवासिनः | अवस्थितास्तदा योधा: प्रार्थयन्तो महद् यश:,वे अनेक देशोंमें उत्पन्न और अनेक नगरोंके निवासी वीर सैनिक महान् यशकी अभिलाषा रखते हुए वहाँ युद्ध करनेके लिये खड़े हुए थे
nānādeśasamuddhūtā nānānagaravāsinaḥ | avasthitās tadā yodhāḥ prārthayanto mahad yaśaḥ ||
Sañjaya berkata: Para pahlawan yang datang dari pelbagai negeri dan menetap di pelbagai kota berdiri berbaris di sana untuk berperang, didorong oleh hasrat akan kemasyhuran yang besar.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights a common wartime impulse: people from diverse backgrounds converge on the battlefield seeking 'mahad yaśaḥ' (great fame). It implicitly invites ethical reflection on how the pursuit of renown can become a powerful driver of violence, sometimes overshadowing discernment about dharma.
Sañjaya describes the assembled fighters: warriors originating from many lands and living in many cities are standing ready for combat, motivated by the hope of winning great glory.