Shloka 36
Śālva’s Elephant Assault and the Counterstroke (शाल्वस्य नागारूढाभ्यवहारः)
वृषा यथा भग्नशुज्जा: शीर्णदन्ता यथा गजा: । वे अपनेको अनाथ समझते हुए किसी नाथ (सहायक) की इच्छा रखते थे और सिंहके सताये हुए मृगों, टूटे सींगवाले साँड़ों तथा जीर्ण-शीर्ण दाँतोंवाले हाथियोंके समान असमर्थ हो गये थे,सिंहनादांश्व बहुश: शूणु घोरान् भयावहान् | तस्माद् याहि शनै: सूत जघनं परिपालय 'सूत! वह सुनो, बारंबार भय उत्पन्न करनेवाले घोर सिंहनाद हो रहे हैं। इसलिये तुम धीरे-धीरे चलो और सेनाके पृष्ठभागकी रक्षा करो
sañjaya uvāca | vṛṣā yathā bhagnaśṛṅgāḥ śīrṇadantā yathā gajāḥ | siṃhanādāṃś ca bahuśaḥ śṛṇu ghorān bhayāvahān | tasmād yāhi śanaiḥ sūta jaghanaṃ paripālaya |
वृषा यथा भग्नशृङ्गाः शीर्णदन्ता यथा गजाः । सिंहनादांश्च बहुशः शृणु घोरान् भयावहान् । तस्माद् याहि शनैः सूत जघनं परिपालय ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In crisis, panic and a sense of being ‘without a protector’ weaken an army; steadiness and prudent action—such as moving carefully and securing the vulnerable rear—are essential duties of leadership and support roles.
Sañjaya describes troops becoming demoralized and powerless, likening them to injured animals. Hearing repeated, terrifying battle-roars, he urges the charioteer to proceed slowly and to protect the army’s rear, indicating tactical caution amid fear and confusion.