Shloka 42
Vāg-yuddha and Nimitta-darśana before the Gadāyuddha
Verbal Duel and Omens
सदश्चवाविव हेषन्तौ बृहन्ताविव कुञ्जरौ । वृषभाविव गर्जन्तौ दुर्योधनवृकोदरौ
sadaścavāviva heṣantau bṛhantāviva kuñjarau | vṛṣabhāviva garjantau duryodhana-vṛkodarau
Wika ni Sañjaya: “Si Duryodhana at si Vṛkodara (Bhīma) ay humihiyaw na parang masisiglang kabayo, nakatindig na parang dambuhalang elepante, at umuungal na parang makapangyarihang toro.” Sa tagpong ito ng digmaan, pinatitingkad ng makata ang tensiyong moral: dalawang kampeon, tinutulak ng pagmamataas, poot, at bigat ng mga panatang nagdaan, ay nagtatapat na may lakas na tila-hayop—na wari’y ang labanan ay nakapagpapababa sa pagninilay at pagpipigil na ayon sa dharma, hanggang sa maging hilaw at nananaig na bugso na lamang.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how the fury of war amplifies pride and aggression, portraying even great warriors through animal similes. Implicitly, it warns that when anger and rivalry dominate, human discernment and dharmic restraint can be eclipsed by brute force.
Sañjaya describes Duryodhana and Bhīma at the height of confrontation, emphasizing their intimidating sounds and presence—neighing, looming like elephants, and roaring like bulls—signaling an imminent, violent clash between the two principal antagonists.