तत: शङ्खाश्च भेर्यश्च पणवानकगोमुखा: | सहसैवाभ्यहन्यन्त स शब्दस्तुमुलोऽभवत् || 13 || |
|---|
“At that time, the blowing of various conch shells, drums, and horns became tumultuous. The sound reverberated throughout the sky and the earth.”
Commentary
After Bhishma’s conch, kettledrums, bugles, trumpets, and horns suddenly blared forth from Kaurava army creating a loud pandemonium. The verse describes the sounds of different instruments being played simultaneously, creating a cacophony of war.
The verse mentions the blowing of shankhas (conch shells), bheryas (drums), and panavas (a type of musical instrument) by the Kaurava warriors. These instruments were traditionally used in warfare to announce the beginning of battle, rally the troops, and create an atmosphere of courage and enthusiasm.
We can imagine the overwhelming and chaotic nature of the battlefield as the sounds of these instruments filled the air. The noise became so loud and pervasive that it resounds throughout the sky and the earth, signifying the magnitude and significance of the forthcoming battle. It highlights the atmosphere of tension, excitement, and impending conflict on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.