In the previous episode, we had witnessed the commencement of Sanjaya’s lengthy accord on the war proceedings, which is taking place at Kurukshetra. Meanwhile, we had also witnessed an important point as to why the Kurukshetra Bhoomi is referred to as “Dharma-Kshetra”. This is solely because this place was the host to the war between “Dharma” and “Adharma” and the resultant of the war being the victory of “Dharma”. Also, since Bhagawan Krishna Himself physically conducted the war between the two camps and also since Bhagawan gifted the holy Bhagawad Gita in this particular place to Arjuna, this Kurukshetra Bhoomi is an epitome of “Dharma”. Now as Sanjaya starts explaining the war proceedings, he commences his explanation right from the first day when all of them have assembled at Kurukshetra. At this point, Duryodhana asks an important question to Guru Dhronachaarya – Whether we would be able to win this war! This question has been interpreted in many different ways by many Aachaaryas in subsequent generations and most of them conclude that Duryodhana is not asking this question out of confidence, but out of fear of losing the war!
Moving on thus, we now see the fear in Duryodhana’s mind as he compares Bhishmachaarya’s leadership versus Bheemasena’s leadership. But is Bheemasena really leading the army of the Paandavas? Duryodhana should have taken Drishtradhyumna’s name, isn’t it? But why is he taking Bheemasena’s name here? The in-depth meaning here is as follows – On one hand, here is Bhishmachaarya, who may be extremely powerful, but has taken a “Prathignya” (Resolution) that no matter what happens, he wouldn’t kill the five Paandava brothers. Whereas, on the other hand, here is Bheemasena who has taken a brutal “Prathignya” that no matter what happens, he wouldn’t rest unless and until he kills Duryodhana and all his ninety-nine brothers! We can see the contrast here, isn’t it? Hence, amidst these two people, how am I going to win this war in my favour? This is what Duryodhana’s fear is all about!
Thus, with this fear ripe in Duryodhana’s mind, even before the war commences, Bhishmachaarya is now ready to announce the commencement of the war. He takes his “Shanka” (Siren) and is about to blow it, as a signal for commencing the war.
“Tasya sanjanaya bharsham kuruvruttah pitaa mahaha!
Simhanaadham vinadyoschaihi shangam dadnou prathaapavaan!!”
Now if we see this shloka’s structure, it might seem a bit funny here – “Tasya sanjanaya bharsham” means, “Bhishmachaarya blows the “Shankam” to invoke joy in Duryodhana!” But we’ve seen just now that Duryodhana is in a state of fear. We’ve to understand one thing very clearly here – If I’ve to make someone happy, that someone should be in some kind of distress, isn’t it? Else, why should I make someone happy who is already happy? Hence, we can clearly understand here that if Bhishmachaarya is trying to make Duryodhna happy, it means that Duryodhana is in some kind of a fear and trouble. Hence, in order to motivate Duryodhana, Bhishmachaarya is taking his “Shankam” in his hand and is blowing it in full force.
As Bhishmachaarya blows his “Shankam” loud, the sound resonates on all four corners of the battlefield. It is a clear signal that all of them should get ready for the war. The fight is about to begin. At this time, Bhagawan Krishna is also going to take out His “Paanchajanyam” to blow it aloud, in acknowledgement of Bhishmachaarya’s “Shankam”. In similar lines, all the other important warriors in both the camps take out their respective “Shankams” and start blowing them, as a token of readiness for the war to begin! So for today, let us understand up to this point and in the next episode, we shall witness the continuation of what happened next! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 