sa ghoṣho dhārtarāṣhṭrāṇāṁ hṛidayāni vyadārayat
nabhaśhcha pṛithivīṁ chaiva tumulo nunādayan
saḥ — that;
ghoṣhaḥ — sound;
dhārtarāṣhṭrāṇām — of Dhritarashtra’s sons;
hṛidayāni — hearts;
vyadārayat — shattered;
nabhaḥ — the sky;
cha — and;
pṛithivīm — the earth;
cha — and;
eva — certainly;
tumulaḥ — terrific sound;
abhyanunādayan — thundering
This verse describes a powerful moment in the battle where the Pandavas blew their conchshells, creating a loud and overwhelming noise. This sound wasn't just loud; it was so strong that it seemed to echo all around, reaching the skies and the earth. The noise was so intense that it struck fear into the hearts of the Kauravas, who were the sons of Dhritarashtra.
To understand why this sound affected them so much, we can look at the situation from a broader perspective. The Kauravas had come to the battlefield with a sense of confidence, preparing to fight for their claim to the throne. However, when they heard the conchs being blown by the Pandavas, it reminded them of the impending battle and the strength of their opponents.
The impact of the conchshells on the Kauravas reflects their inner feelings and fears. While they were confident in their numbers and power, deep down, they also knew that their actions were motivated by selfish interests. They were fighting not just for a throne, but they were also clashing against their own family, friends, and teachers. This realization, combined with the thunderous sounds of the conch shells, likely made them feel uneasy and frightened. The heart-shattering effect indicates that their courage was fragile, built on shaky ground.
In contrast, the Pandavas, when they blew their conchs earlier, were calm and collected. They felt a sense of divine support because they trusted Lord Krishna, who was on their side. This trust made them unafraid; they saw the battle not just as a fight but as a quest for justice. They believed they were right in their cause, and this conviction gave them strength. It’s as if they were saying to themselves, 'We have the right on our side and the support of a divine power.'
The difference in reactions shows a deeper lesson about moral foundations and the psyche during conflicts. Those who act out of greed and selfishness (like the Kauravas) are often left with fear, doubt, and anxiety when confronted with the truth of their actions. On the other hand, those who have a righteous cause and believe in something greater than themselves (like the Pandavas) can face even the toughest challenges with courage.
Ultimately, this verse teaches us that if we align ourselves with truth and righteousness, we will find the strength to face challenges without fear. But if we pursue selfish desires and deceit, we may find ourselves engulfed by doubt and fear when facing the reality of our choices. This is a reminder that in difficult times, relying on honest intentions and divine support can guide us through.