Mahabharata 7.178.17 — Drona Parva, Adhyaya 178, Shloka 17
तस्यापि रथनिर्घोषो महामेघरवोपम: । तस्यापि सुमहच्चापं दृढज्यं कनकोज्ज्वलम्
tasyāpi rathanirghoṣo mahāmegharavopamaḥ | tasyāpi sumahaccāpaṃ dṛḍhajyaṃ kanakojjvalam |
सञ्जय उवाच—तस्यापि रथनिर्घोषो महामेघरवोपमः। तस्य सुमहच्चापं दृढज्यं कनकोज्ज्वलम्।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward signs of power—resounding chariots and radiant weapons—create psychological force in war. Ethically, it underscores that conflict in the epic is not only physical but also mental, where awe and intimidation shape the battlefield.
Sañjaya is describing a warrior’s martial presence: the chariot’s deep rumble is likened to the roar of massive rain-clouds, and the warrior’s bow is portrayed as huge, tightly strung, and gleaming with gold—an image meant to convey formidable readiness for battle.
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