Shloka 406
Vāg-yuddha and Nimitta-darśana before the Gadāyuddha
Verbal Duel and Omens
तौ समेतौ महात्मानौ गदाहस्तौ नरोत्तमौ । उन दोनोंके ओठ रोषसे फड़क रहे थे। वे दोनों नरश्रेष्ठ एक-दूसरेपर दृष्टिपात करते हुए हाथमें गदा ले परस्पर भिड़नेके लिये उद्यत थे
tau sametau mahātmānau gadā-hastau narottamau |
तौ समेतौ महात्मानौ गदाहस्तौ नरोत्तमौ । रोषात् स्फुरदोष्ठौ परस्परं निरीक्ष्य गदाभ्यां समाहन्तुं समुत्सुकौ बभूवतुः ॥
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even the ‘best of men’ can be overtaken by anger; the verse highlights how wrath and fixation on victory can eclipse discernment, foreshadowing ethical breakdown in war where personal fury pushes action more than dharmic restraint.
Sañjaya describes two eminent warriors confronting each other at close quarters, maces raised, staring each other down with visible rage and preparing to engage in a mace duel.