Shloka 12
Kṛtavarmā–Sātyaki Chariot Duel and Kaurava Morale Shock (कृतवर्म-सात्यकि-द्वैरथम्)
ततस्तु त॑ वै द्विरदं महात्मा प्रत्युद्ययौ त्वरमाणे जयाय । जम्भो यथा शक्रसमागमे वै नागेन्द्रमैरावणमिन्द्रवाहमुम्
tatastu taṁ vai dviradaṁ mahātmā pratyudyayau tvaramāṇo jayāya | jambho yathā śakra-samāgame vai nāgendram airāvaṇam indra-vāhanam ||
Wika ni Sañjaya: Pagkaraan, ang dakilang mandirigmang iyon, nagmamadali para sa tagumpay, ay sumulong nang tuwiran laban sa elepanteng iyon. Sinugod niya ito gaya ng pagsalakay ni Jambha noon kay Airāvata—ang panginoon ng mga elepante at sinasakyan ni Indra—nang magsimula ang labanan laban kay Śakra.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights purposeful action in war: the hero advances with clear intent (jayāya) and unwavering resolve. By invoking a mythic parallel (Jambha charging Airāvata), it underscores that courage in a dharmic battlefield is measured not only by strength but by steadfastness in the face of formidable, almost divine opposition.
Sanjaya describes a decisive charge: the great warrior rushes directly at an elephant in the thick of battle, eager to secure victory. The action is intensified through comparison to Jambha’s legendary assault on Indra’s elephant Airāvata when combat erupted with Indra.