Shloka 24
पश्य ध्वजांक्ष द्रवतो विशोक नागान् हयान् पत्तिसंघांश्व संख्ये रथान् विकीर्णान् शरशक्तिताडितान् पश्यस्वैतान् रथिनश्वैव सूत
paśya dhvajāṃś ca dravato viśoka nāgān hayān pattisaṃghāṃś ca saṃkhye | rathān vikīrṇān śaraśakti-tāḍitān paśyasvaitān rathinaś caiva sūta viśoka ||
Bhīmasena disse: “Olha, Viśoka—vê nesta batalha os estandartes dos carros em fuga, os elefantes, os cavalos e as massas de infantes. Ó cocheiro, olha também para estes carros e guerreiros de carro, espalhados por toda parte, atingidos e castigados por flechas e lanças.”
भीमसेन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the stark consequences of war: formations break, warriors flee, and even elite chariot-fighters are reduced to scattered wreckage. It functions as a moral and psychological reminder that martial pride must face the reality of suffering and collapse on the battlefield.
Bhīma addresses Viśoka and the charioteer, directing their attention to the battlefield scene—fleeing chariots with their banners, elephants, horses, and infantry, and chariots/chariot-warriors lying dispersed after being struck by arrows and spears—highlighting the momentum and devastation of the ongoing combat.