Shloka 6
Chapter 51: Saṃdhyākāla-saṃhāra
Evening Withdrawal after Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
नृत्यतो रथमार्गेषु भीष्मस्य भरतर्षभ । भृशमार्तस्वरं चक्रुर्नागा मर्मणि ताडिता:,भरतश्रेष्ठ! वे रथके मार्गोंपर नृत्य-सा कर रहे थे। उनके बाणोंसे मर्मस्थानोंमें चोट खाये हुए हाथी अत्यन्त आर्तनाद करने लगे
nṛtyato rathamārgeṣu bhīṣmasya bharatarṣabha | bhṛśam ārtasvaraṃ cakrur nāgā marmaṇi tāḍitāḥ ||
Disse Sañjaya: “Ó touro entre os Bharatas! Enquanto o carro de Bhīṣma avançava pelos caminhos da batalha como se dançasse, os elefantes—atingidos em seus pontos vitais—soltaram brados agudos e lancinantes.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the real cost of martial skill: striking vital points brings swift tactical effect but produces intense suffering. It invites reflection on the ethical gravity of warfare even when performed under kṣatriya-duty.
Sañjaya describes Bhīṣma’s advance in battle; as his chariot moves along the chariot-tracks, elephants that have been hit in vital spots cry out loudly in pain.