Shloka 21
Bhīmasena’s Kalinga Engagement and the Approach of Bhīṣma (भीमसेन-कालिङ्ग-संग्रामः)
तैविमुक्ता महाप्रासा जाम्बूनदविभूषणा: । आशुगा विमलास्तीक्ष्णा: सम्पेतुर्भुजगोपमा:,उनके द्वारा चलाये हुए सुवर्णभूषित निर्मल और तेज धारवाले शीघ्रगामी महाप्रास (भाले) सर्पोके समान गिर रहे थे
taiḥ vimuktā mahāprāsā jāmbūnadavibhūṣaṇāḥ | āśugā vimalās tīkṣṇāḥ sampetur bhujagopamāḥ ||
Sañjaya nói: Những cây lao lớn do họ phóng ra—được trang sức bằng vàng Jāmbūnada, lao đi vun vút, sáng sạch và sắc như dao cạo—đổ ập xuống như những con rắn.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the terrifying efficiency of warfare: weapons, once released, move with unstoppable force. Ethically, it invites reflection on the grave consequences of conflict and the weight of martial action within kṣatriya-dharma.
Sañjaya describes a volley of large, gold-adorned lances being hurled. They fly swiftly and descend upon the battlefield, compared to serpents for their speed, menace, and deadly intent.