Shloka 10
Kuru-Sainika-Āśvāsana and Vijayaghoṣaṇa
Reassuring the Kuru Soldiers; Proclaiming Victory
श्रुत्वा गाण्डीवनिर्घोषं विस्फूर्जितमिवाशने: । त्रस्तानि सर्वसैन्यानि व्यपागच्छन् महाहवात्,गाण्डीवकी टंकार वज़्की गड़गड़ाहटको भी मात कर रही थी। उसे सुनकर समस्त सैनिक भयभीत हो उस महान् संग्रामसे भाग निकले। युद्धके मुहानेपर कुण्डल और पगड़ी धारण किये असंख्य कटे हुए सिर पड़े दिखायी देते थे। कितने ही सोनेके हार इधर-उधर गिरे थे
śrutvā gāṇḍīvanirghoṣaṃ visphūrjitam ivāśaneḥ | trastāni sarvasainyāni vyapāgacchan mahāhavāt ||
Vaiśampāyana berkata: Mendengar deru menggelegar Gāṇḍīva—bagaikan letupan halilintar—seluruh bala tentera dilanda gentar lalu berundur dari pertempuran besar itu.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the psychological dimension of dharmic warfare: disciplined strength and renowned skill can shatter an aggressor’s morale, limiting further harm by forcing retreat. It also reflects kṣatriya-dharma—steadfastness and competence in protecting one’s side through rightful martial excellence.
In the great battle scene of the Virāṭa narrative, the terrifying sound of the Gāṇḍīva is heard. Comparing it to thunder/lightning, the text says the troops become frightened and pull back from the battlefield.