Shloka 27
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
प्रभिन्नाश्न महानागा विनीता हस्तिसादिभि: । परस्परं समासाद्य संनिपेतुरभीतवत्
prabhinnāśnān mahānāgā vinītā hastisādibhiḥ | parasparaṃ samāsādya saṃnipetur abhītavat ||
Disse Sañjaya: Grandes elefantes senhoriais, com as têmporas a verter o fluido do cio, instigados por seus cavaleiros e condutores, aproximaram-se uns dos outros e, sem temor, chocaram-se em combate mútuo. A cena mostra como, na fúria da guerra, até criaturas poderosas são impelidas por comando humano a uma colisão violenta, ampliando o ímpeto implacável do campo de batalha.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the intensification of war: immense power (the elephants) becomes an instrument of destruction when directed by human will. Ethically, it points to how conflict mobilizes and compels even non-human strength into violence, magnifying the consequences of martial ambition.
Sanjaya describes war-elephants in musth being urged on by their riders and handlers; they advance toward opposing elephants and collide fearlessly, engaging in close combat amid the larger battle.