Shloka 54
Droṇa–Arjuna Yuddha; Trigarta-Āvaraṇa; Bhīmasena Gajānīka-bheda
Droṇa and Arjuna Engage; Trigarta Containment; Bhīma Breaks the Elephant Corps
अड्कुशाड्गुछनुदित: स गजप्रवरो युधि । तस्मिन् क्षणे समभवत् सांवर्तक इवानल:,उस समय उनके अंकुशों और पैरके अँगूठोंसे प्रेरित हो वह गजराज युद्धस्थलमें संवर्तक- अग्निकी भाँति भयंकर हो उठा
aṅkuśāṅguṣṭha-nuditāḥ sa gaja-pravaro yudhi | tasmin kṣaṇe samabhavat sāṁvartaka ivānalaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Dahil sa udyok ng panghila (ankusha) at sa diin ng mga daliri ng paa ng sakay, ang pinakadakilang elepante sa gitna ng labanan ay sa mismong sandaling iyon naging kasindak-sindak—gaya ng apoy na Saṁvartaka na lumalamon sa lahat.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Immense strength becomes truly fearsome when directed by disciplined control; the verse highlights how guidance and stimulus can instantly convert latent power into overwhelming, potentially catastrophic force—an ethical reminder about responsibility in wielding power during war.
Sañjaya describes a leading war-elephant being driven forward by the mahout’s goad and toe-pressure; in that moment it surges into terrifying fury, compared to the Saṁvartaka fire that consumes the world at cosmic dissolution.