Shloka 7
भीष्मस्य शरशय्या-प्राप्तिः
Bhīṣma’s Fall to the Arrow-Bed
भगदत्तस्तत: क्रुद्धो माधवं निशितैः शरै: | ताडयामास समरे तोत्रैरिव महागजम्
bhagadattas tataḥ kruddho mādhavaṃ niśitaiḥ śaraiḥ | tāḍayāmāsa samare totrair iva mahāgajam ||
三阇耶说：随后，薄伽达多怒火中烧，在战斗中以锐箭击向摩陀婆（奎师那）——如同象夫以钩杖刺促巨象。此喻凸显攻势之凶猛与胆魄，也描绘奎师那纵遭刻意挑衅，仍巍然不动、威力无俦，立于战乱喧嚣之中。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the contrast between uncontrolled anger and steadfast strength: Bhagādattā’s wrath drives him to provoke and strike even Mādhava, while the imagery of a ‘great elephant’ suggests unshaken power and composure under attack—an ethical reminder that fury may lash out, but true greatness remains steady.
In the midst of battle, Bhagādattā becomes enraged and shoots sharp arrows at Mādhava (Kṛṣṇa). The poet compares the repeated striking to a mahout prodding a massive elephant with a goad, emphasizing the intensity of the assault.