Shloka 18
अध्याय ४ — दुर्योधनस्य असंधि-निश्चयः
Duryodhana’s Refusal of Reconciliation
चरन्तीव महाविद्युन्मुष्णन्ती नयनप्रभाम् । अलातमिव चाविद्धं गाण्डीवं समदृश्यत,“जैसे चमकती हुई महाविद्युत् नेत्रोंकी प्रभाको छीनती-सी दिखायी देती है तथा जैसे अलातचक्र घूमता देखा जाता है, उसी प्रकार अर्जुनके हाथमें गाण्डीव धनुष भी दृष्टिगोचर होता है
carantīva mahāvidyun muṣṇantī nayanaprabhām | alātam iva cāviddhaṃ gāṇḍīvaṃ samadṛśyata ||
Sañjaya berkata: Gāṇḍīva di tangan Arjuna tampak bagaikan kilat besar yang seolah-olah merampas sinar mata; dan seperti obor api yang diputar membentuk lingkaran, ia kelihatan berputar dalam gerak yang pantas—gambaran tenaga perang yang tiada tertahan di medan laga.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how disciplined skill and righteous resolve (dharma-yuddha spirit) manifest as overwhelming effectiveness: Arjuna’s weapon is portrayed not merely as an object, but as focused power that eclipses ordinary perception—suggesting that mastery joined to purpose becomes awe-inspiring and decisive.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra what is seen on the battlefield: Arjuna is actively brandishing his bow Gāṇḍīva. Its rapid motion and brilliance are compared to lightning and to the circular streak of a whirled firebrand, emphasizing speed, intensity, and imminent combat.