Shloka 53
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
श्रुत्वा स निनदं घोरममर्षादू गतसाध्वस: । भगदत्तो महेष्वास: स्वनागं प्रत्यचोदयत्
śrutvā sa ninadaṃ ghoraṃ amarṣād u gata-sādhvasaḥ | bhagadatto maheṣvāsaḥ sva-nāgaṃ pratyacodayat, rājan |
Sañjaya disse: «Ao ouvir aquele brado terrível, Bhagadatta — o grande arqueiro —, impelido pela indignação e por amarsa (o orgulho ferido) e sem medo, incitou o seu próprio elefante de guerra na direção dos Pāṇḍavas, ó rei.»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse implicitly contrasts fearlessness with the motive behind it: Bhagadatta’s courage arises from amarṣa (indignant wrath). It suggests that bravery in war can be ethically ambiguous when fueled by anger and wounded pride rather than disciplined duty.
After hearing the Pāṇḍavas’ terrifying battle-cry, Bhagadatta—renowned as a great archer—responds immediately by driving his elephant forward to engage them, as Sañjaya reports to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra.