Shloka 5
Adhyāya 74 (Book 6, Bhīṣma-parva): Bhīma–Duryodhana re-engagement and afternoon escalation
विद्युतं मेघमध्यस्थां भ्राजमानामिवाम्बरे । ददृशुर्गाण्डिवं योधा रुक्मपृष्ठं महामृथे
vidyutaṁ meghamadhyasthāṁ bhrājamānām ivāmbare | dadṛśur gāṇḍīvaṁ yodhā rukmapṛṣṭhaṁ mahāmṛthe ||
Санджая сказал: В той великой сече наши воины увидели лук Гандиву — с золотой спинкой, — сияющий в небе, как молния, вспыхивающая среди тучи облаков.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how extraordinary power on the battlefield inspires awe and fear, reminding readers that war magnifies consequences and tests discernment; even before action, the mere sight of a mighty weapon can signal the gravity of choices made in conflict.
Sanjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that the Kaurava-side warriors saw Arjuna’s Gāṇḍīva bow, gold-adorned, gleaming like lightning among clouds—an evocative battlefield image emphasizing Arjuna’s formidable presence.