Shloka 503
Bhagadatta’s Advance, the Saṃśaptaka Challenge, and Arjuna’s Counterstrike (द्रोणपर्व, अध्याय २६)
सिक्त्वा व्यत्रासयन्नागस्ते पार्थमहरंस्तत: । उस समय आक्रमण करनेवाले भीमसेनके घोड़ोंपर उस हाथीने सूँड़से जल छोड़कर उन्हें भयभीत कर दिया। फिर तो वे घोड़े भीमसेनको लेकर दूर भाग गये
siktvā vyatrāsayannāgas te pārtham aharaṃs tataḥ |
सञ्जय उवाच—स नागः सुण्डया तोयं सिञ्चन् पार्थस्याश्वान् व्यत्रासयत्; ततस्तेऽश्वाः भीमसेनं वहन्तो भयाकुला दूरं प्राद्रवन्॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in a righteous or determined martial effort, outcomes can hinge on unpredictable factors like fear and confusion; mastery in war includes managing such sudden disruptions rather than relying only on strength.
An elephant sprays water with its trunk to startle the horses; the terrified horses bolt and carry Bhīmasena away from the immediate combat situation.