Shloka 4
Arjuna–Bhīṣma Strategic Engagement and Mutual Arrow-Interdiction (भीष्मार्जुनसमागमः)
क्षेेडा: किलकिलाशब्दा: क्रकचा गोविषाणिका: । भेरीमृदड़मुरजा हयकुञ्जरनि:स्वना:
kheḍāḥ kilakilāśabdāḥ krakacā govīṣāṇikāḥ | bherīmṛdaṅgamurajā hayakuñjaraniḥsvanāḥ ||
三阇耶说道：“于是喧嚣四起——呼号与尖厉的呐喊，‘克罗迦迦’等乐器与牛角号的刺耳长鸣，战鼓毗梨、密栗陀伽、牟罗阇的轰然震响，又夹杂着战马的嘶鸣与战象的咆哮。”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse does not give a direct moral injunction; its ethical force is contextual: it portrays how war rapidly becomes an overwhelming sensory and emotional storm. In the Mahābhārata’s dharma-discourse, such descriptions underscore the gravity of choosing war—once begun, it sweeps up individuals bound by duty, loyalty, and vows, making discernment and restraint difficult.
Sañjaya reports the opening surge of combat: battle-cries, instruments, drums, and the cries of horses and elephants rise together as the armies close. The verse functions as a soundscape of escalation, marking the transition from formation and readiness to active, fierce engagement.