Verse 19
sa ghoṣo dhārtarāṣṭrāṇāṁ
hṛdayāni vyadarayat
nabhaś ca pṛthivīṁ caiva
tumuló ’bhyanunādayan
Word-for-Word Meaning:
- saḥ — that
- ghoṣaḥ — sound, roar, blast (of conches and war cries)
- dhārtarāṣṭrāṇām — of the sons of Dhritarashtra (the Kauravas)
- hṛdayāni — hearts
- vyadarayat — pierced, shattered, broke apart
- nabhaḥ — the sky
- ca — and
- pṛthivīm — the earth
- ca eva — also
- tumuló — tumultuous, noisy, thunderous
- abhyanunādayan — resounding loudly, echoing
“That sound of the conches and war cries of the sons of Dhritarashtra pierced the hearts of the warriors and thundered through the sky and the earth with a tumultuous roar.”
Expanded Interpretation:
The Overwhelming War Cry of the Kauravas:
This verse vividly describes the tremendous blast of conches and battle cries from the Kaurava army, a sound so powerful it seems to shake the very universe — both sky and earth — while also deeply affecting the hearts of those who hear it.
Who Are the Main Actors?
- The Sons of Dhritarashtra (Kauravas):
- The principal warriors and commanders on the Kaurava side.
- Their conches and shouts symbolize their determination, rage, and the weight of their cause.
- Represent the forces opposing dharma, yet still deeply human in their valor and resolve.
- The Sound (Ghoṣa):
- Not merely noise, but a psychological and spiritual force that impacts morale and emotional states.
- It “pierces the hearts” — evoking fear, courage, confusion, or resolve in those who hear it.
Symbolism of the Verse:
| Element | Symbolizes |
|---|---|
| The Sound (Ghoṣa) | The power of collective will and emotional intensity |
| Hearts Pierced | The psychological impact of war and challenge |
| Sky and Earth | The universal scale of the conflict — cosmic drama |
Spiritual and Psychological Insight:
This verse captures the raw intensity of the battlefield moment. The clashing forces and their calls to arms are not just physical acts but create a wave of emotional and spiritual upheaval.
- The sound represents how conflict resonates far beyond immediate physical impact — touching the very souls of warriors.
- It highlights the duality of war — a force that can inspire courage and fear, clarity and confusion.
Philosophical Perspective:
The universe itself seems to participate in this great conflict. The tumultuous sounds tearing through sky and earth show the war is not just a human event, but a cosmic one — a clash of dharma and adharma, truth and falsehood.
- The verse invites reflection on how external conflicts mirror inner struggles — the “hearts” of individuals breaking or strengthening under pressure.
- It points to the profound effect of collective energies — how group intentions can shift the atmosphere and spiritual environment.
Call of the Soul:
- When the roar of battle (literal or metaphorical) arises in your life, what happens to your heart?
- Does it strengthen your resolve, or does it shake your courage?
- How do you respond to the overwhelming forces — do you let them “pierce” your heart, or do you find steadiness within?
Conclusion:
Verse 19 emphasizes the magnitude and intensity of the Kaurava war cry — a sound so potent it shatters hearts and reverberates through the cosmos. It reflects the power of collective emotion and the deep psychological currents running through moments of great crisis.
Reflection Questions:
What sounds or voices in your life have pierced your heart with intensity?
How do you maintain inner calm when external noise seems overwhelming?
Can you see your internal battles reflected in the vast cosmic conflict of this verse?