Shloka 343
प्रादुश्षक्रे महामायां राक्षसीं पाण्डुनन्दन: । कर्णको दिव्यास्त्रका संधान करते देख पाण्डवनन्दन घटोत्कचने अपनी राक्षसी महामाया प्रकट की
prāduścakre mahāmāyāṃ rākṣasīṃ pāṇḍunandanaḥ |
प्रादुश्चकार महामायां राक्षसीं पाण्डुनन्दनः। कर्णं दिव्यास्त्राणि संधायन्तं दृष्ट्वा घटोत्कचो राक्षसीं महतीं मायां प्राकटयत्।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how, in extreme conflict, combatants may employ extraordinary powers and deception. It invites reflection on the moral strain of war: even when survival and duty press hard, reliance on illusion underscores how warfare can erode the ideal of transparent, righteous conduct.
Sañjaya reports that the Pāṇḍava (here understood as Ghaṭotkaca) produces a formidable rākṣasa-type magical illusion on the battlefield, intensifying the struggle through supernatural stratagem rather than ordinary weapons alone.