Verse 13
tataḥ śaṅkhāś ca bheryaś ca
paṇavānaka-gomukhāḥ
sahasaiva abhyahanyanta
sa śabdas tumulo ’bhavat
Word-for-Word Meaning:
- tataḥ — then, thereafter
- śaṅkhāḥ — conch shells
- ca — and
- bheryaḥ — kettledrums or war drums
- paṇava — small drums
- ānaka — large drums
- gomukhāḥ — trumpet-like instruments (with a cow’s mouth shape)
- sahasā eva — suddenly, all at once
- abhyahanyanta — were sounded or beaten
- saḥ śabdaḥ — that sound
- tumulaḥ abhavat — became tumultuous, loud, deafening
“Then, conches, kettledrums, tabors, trumpets, and horns were all suddenly sounded together, and the resulting sound was tumultuous and deafening.”
Expanded Interpretation:
The Thunder of War Begins:
Following Bhishma’s conch blast in the previous verse, a massive and sudden symphony of war instruments erupts across the battlefield.
This was a coordinated and symbolic signal indicating that both armies were now preparing to engage in full-scale battle.
Instruments Listed:
- Śaṅkhāḥ (Conches): Used to announce the start of combat and symbolize divine energy.
- Bheryaḥ (War drums): Created heavy, echoing beats to instill energy and fear.
- Paṇava & Ānaka (Small and large drums): Played in rhythm to organize troop movements and boost morale.
- Gomukhāḥ (Horn-like trumpets): Known for their penetrating, animalistic sound — evoking a primal call to action.
Tumultuous Sound — A Battlefield Atmosphere:
- The sound is described as “tumulaḥ” — meaning chaotic, loud, overwhelming.
- This was not just noise; it was a strategic and psychological tool meant to:
- Intimidate the opponent
- Energize the soldiers
- Announce the seriousness of the coming war
Philosophical & Spiritual Perspective:
The Sound of Transformation:
- Just as a storm breaks the silence before change, this uproar marks the end of negotiation and the onset of karmic consequences.
- The spiritual metaphor is one of inner battle awakening — when your soul realizes it can no longer avoid conflict between duty and desire, truth and illusion.
Inner Symbolism:
- The instruments can represent internal awakenings:
- Conch — clarity of thought
- Drums — courage and determination
- Horns — alertness and direction
- Together, they signal the start of our inner dharma-yuddha (righteous battle).
Leadership Insight:
- Preparation must be loud and clear — whether it’s physical or mental.
- Starting a major initiative (like a war, project, or transformation) needs intention, energy, and psychological momentum.
- Leaders must ignite readiness through ritual, rhythm, and symbolism.
Conclusion:
Verse 13 paints a vivid picture of the electric atmosphere just before the war begins. The simultaneous eruption of war sounds reflects not only the external preparation for battle but also the internal churning of emotions, duty, and destiny.
Reflection Questions for You:
What are the “drums” or rituals you use to prepare yourself for big decisions or battles in life?
Are you aware of your internal conch — the signal that it’s time to rise and act?
What role does sound (music, words, chants) play in energizing your mind and purpose?