Shloka 40
भीमसेन-धृष्टद्युम्नयोर्वाक्यं
Bhīmasena and Dhṛṣṭadyumna’s Speeches on Kṣātra-Dharma
तथा तु समरे विद्ृध्वा राक्षसेन्द्रं घटोत्कचम् । ननाद सुमहानादं द्रोणपुत्रो महारथ:
tathā tu samare viddhvā rākṣasendraṃ ghaṭotkacam | nanāda sumahānādaṃ droṇaputro mahārathaḥ ||
तथा तु समरे विद्ध्वा राक्षसेन्द्रं घटोत्कचम् । ननाद सुमहानादं द्रोणपुत्रो महारथः ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the battlefield mindset: after landing a decisive blow, a warrior’s roar asserts dominance and rallies morale. Ethically, it also underscores how war amplifies pride and aggression, reminding readers that martial success often comes intertwined with intensifying violence and its moral consequences.
Sañjaya reports that Aśvatthāman (Droṇa’s son), having struck Ghaṭotkaca—described as the Rākṣasa-lord—utters a tremendous roar in the thick of combat, marking a moment of heightened confrontation between major champions.