Mahabharata Udyoga Parva – तद बाणैर अर्दितं यूथं रक्षसां पीनवक्षसाम

Shloka (श्लोक)

तद बाणैर अर्दितं यूथं रक्षसां पीनवक्षसाम
सिंहैर इव बभौ मत्तं गजानाम आकुलं कुलम

⚡ Quick Meaning

The horde of ravished demons appeared like a herd of maddened elephants, frightened and retreating.

Translations

English Translation

This shloka depicts how the demon army, once fierce, became like a panicked herd of elephants driven mad by fear, showcasing how the skilled archery had ravished them and turned the tide of battle, illustrating the psychological aspects of warfare.

हिंदी अनुवाद

यह श्लोक उस समय को दर्शाता है जब राक्षस की सेना, जो पहले प्रचंड थी, भय से एक पागल हाथियों के झुंड की तरह हो गई, यह दर्शाते हुए कि कैसे कुशल धनुर्विद्या ने उन्हें पराजित कर दिया और युद्ध की दिशा बदल दी, युद्ध के मनोवैज्ञानिक पहलुओं को उजागर करता है।

Commentary

Context

In this critical encounter during the war, the passage sheds light on the impact of strategic warfare on morale, leading to chaotic retreats among the enemy ranks.

Meaning

Using similes of elephants, this shloka conveys the idea that fear can turn even the strongest forces into a disorganized flight, emphasizing the critical role of psychological tactics in battles.

Application

From this shloka, one can derive that maintaining control in stressful situations is vital, while the fear exhibited in the face of overwhelming odds can lead to disarray and defeat.