Shloka 726
Arjuna’s Advance toward Bhīṣma; The Gāṇḍīva’s Signal and the Armies’ Convergence (भीष्माभिमुखगमनम् — गाण्डीवनिर्घोष-ध्वजवर्णनम्)
ननाद सुमहानादं विस्फोटमशनेरिव । उन सेनाओंको आते देख प्रतापी राक्षसराज घटोत्कचने बड़े जोरसे सिंहनाद किया, मानो वज्र फट पड़ा हो
nānāda sumahānādaṃ visphoṭam aśaner iva |
Санджая сказал: Увидев, как обе рати надвигаются, могучий царь ракшасов Гхатоткача издал громовой рёв, словно раскат молнии, разорвавшей небо.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the psychological and moral intensity of battle: sound becomes a symbol of resolve and intimidation. It underscores how warriors project courage and strike fear, reminding readers that war is fought not only with weapons but also with will, presence, and morale.
Sañjaya describes Ghaṭotkaca, seeing the armies approach, unleashing a massive lion-like roar compared to a thunderbolt’s crack—an announcement of his entry and a dramatic escalation of the battlefield atmosphere.