Shloka 673
Śālva’s Elephant Assault and the Counterstroke (शाल्वस्य नागारूढाभ्यवहारः)
प्रत्युद्ययुस्तदा पार्था जयगृद्धा: प्रमन््यव: । उनके आक्रमण करते ही अपनी सेनाका व्यूह बनाकर प्रहारकुशल, विजयाभिलाषी तथा बढ़े हुए क्रोधवाले पाण्डव शीघ्र ही उनका सामना करनेके लिये आगे बढ़े
pratyudyayus tadā pārthā jaya-gṛddhāḥ pramanyavaḥ |
प्रत्युद्ययुस्तदा पार्था जयगृद्धाः प्रमन्यवः । व्यूहं कृत्वा स्वसैन्यानां प्रहारकुशलाः क्षिप्रमग्रतः प्रतस्थिरे ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethic in wartime: disciplined readiness and strategic action, coupled with a fierce commitment to victory when one believes one is fighting for dharma. It also cautions that even ‘righteous’ anger must be harnessed through skill and order (battle array), not allowed to become mere chaos.
As the opposing side attacks, the Pāṇḍavas rapidly form their formation and move forward to meet the assault. Sañjaya describes their mood—victory-seeking and intensely aroused—while emphasizing their competence in striking and their swift response.