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 ||
三阇耶说：随后，那位大心之士为求胜利而疾进，径直迎向那头战象。他冲击其势，正如战起与释迦（因陀罗）相会之时，阎婆曾猛扑爱罗婆多——象中之王、因陀罗之乘骑——一般。
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.