Mahabharata — Bhishma Parva, Shloka 166
भीष्मपर्व — अध्याय ६६: तुमुलसंग्रामवर्णनम्
The Tumult of Battle Described
अदृश्यत महारीौद्रा गदा नागाश्चव॒पातनी । हाथियों और घोड़ोंको मार गिरानेवाली उनकी वह गदा भी मज्जा, वसा, मांस तथा रक्तमें सनकर बड़ी भयानक दिखायी देती थी
adṛśyata mahāraudrā gadā nāgāś ca vapātanī |
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Ang pamalong iyon ay nagmistulang lubhang kasindak-sindak—isang sandatang kayang magpabagsak maging ng elepante. Nababalutan ng utak-buto, taba, laman, at dugo, ito’y nakapangingilabot tingnan, at ipinahihiwatig ang mabagsik at di-makataong agos ng digmaan at ang bigat ng pananagutang moral ng sinumang humahawak ng gayong puwersa.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the terrifying reality of war: weapons become symbols of moral burden as they are stained with the bodily remains of the slain. It implicitly invites reflection on kṣatriya-duty versus the ethical cost of violence.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra a vivid battlefield sight: a fearsome mace capable of felling elephants, now smeared with marrow, fat, flesh, and blood, appearing especially dreadful amid the carnage.
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