Shloka 38
अध्याय १ — न्यग्रोधवनोपवेशनम् तथा द्रौणिनिश्चयः
Night at the Banyan and Drauṇi’s Resolve
महास्वनं महाकायं हर्यक्ष॑ं बभ्रुपिड्गलम् सुदीर्घधघोणानखरं सुपर्णमिव वेगितम्
mahāsvanaṃ mahākāyaṃ haryakṣaṃ babhrupiṅgalam | sudīrghaghrāṇanakharaṃ suparṇam iva vegitam ||
महास्वनं महाकायं हर्यक्षं बभ्रुपिङ्गलम् । सुदीर्घघोणानखरं सुपर्णमिव वेगितम् ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a terrifying, Garuḍa-like predator image to underline how violence—especially in a stealthy night massacre—creates an atmosphere of dread and moral darkness; the narrative signals that such acts align with adharma and invite ominous consequences.
Sañjaya is describing a fearsome, fast-moving bird-like presence with a dreadful cry, huge body, and long beak and talons—an ominous sight that intensifies the tension surrounding the events of the Sauptika (night-raid) episode.