Shloka 963
Sauptika Parva, Adhyaya 8 — Dhṛṣṭadyumna-vadha and the Camp’s Nocturnal Rout
अकरोच्छिबिरे तेषां रजन्यां द्विगुणं तम:ः । उन दौड़ते हुए घोड़ों और हाथियोंने अपने पैरोंसे जो धूल उड़ायी थी, उसने पाण्डवोंके शिविरमें रात्रिके अन्धकारको दुगुना कर दिया
sañjaya uvāca | akaroc chibire teṣāṃ rajanyāṃ dviguṇaṃ tamaḥ |
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: Sa kanilang kampo, sa gitna ng gabi, ang dilim ay naging doble ang kapal—dahil sa alikabok na inihahagis pataas ng mga paa ng nag-uunahang kabayo at elepante. Ipinapakita ng tanawing ito na ang karahasan ng digmaan ay hindi lamang tumatama sa katawan; binabalot din nito ang pag-unawa at pinatitindi ang sindak at ang pagdilim ng budhi sa isang paglusob sa gabi.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how war amplifies not only physical danger but also psychological and moral darkness—confusion, fear, and loss of clarity—especially in a night assault where visibility and discernment are diminished.
Sañjaya describes the night-time conditions in the camp: dust raised by fast-moving horses and elephants thickens the darkness, creating an atmosphere suited to stealth, panic, and sudden violence.