Shloka 673
Śālva’s Elephant Assault and the Counterstroke (शाल्वस्य नागारूढाभ्यवहारः)
प्रत्युद्ययुस्तदा पार्था जयगृद्धा: प्रमन््यव: । उनके आक्रमण करते ही अपनी सेनाका व्यूह बनाकर प्रहारकुशल, विजयाभिलाषी तथा बढ़े हुए क्रोधवाले पाण्डव शीघ्र ही उनका सामना करनेके लिये आगे बढ़े
pratyudyayus tadā pārthā jaya-gṛddhāḥ pramanyavaḥ |
Sañjaya berkata: Ketika itu putera-putera Pṛthā mara ke hadapan untuk menyambut serangan—dahagakan kemenangan dan menyala dengan amarah yang dianggap benar. Mereka membentuk vyūha bala tentera dan menghentam dengan kemahiran terlatih; para Pāṇḍava segera maju menghadapi musuh yang datang.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethic in wartime: disciplined readiness and strategic action, coupled with a fierce commitment to victory when one believes one is fighting for dharma. It also cautions that even ‘righteous’ anger must be harnessed through skill and order (battle array), not allowed to become mere chaos.
As the opposing side attacks, the Pāṇḍavas rapidly form their formation and move forward to meet the assault. Sañjaya describes their mood—victory-seeking and intensely aroused—while emphasizing their competence in striking and their swift response.