anīka vidraṇa

 Anīka Vidraṇa (अनीकविदारण) literally means "shatterer of armies," derived from 'anīka' (army) and 'vidāraṇa' (destruction), and is used as a proper name in Sanskrit literature, specifically as the name of a son of Jayadratha in the Mahābhārata.

Components of the Term

• Anīka (अनीक): This can mean army, troop, military forces, or by 
• extension the front or a row of soldiers in Sanskrit texts 

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  . It is
• used in Vedic texts and Jain cosmology to denote a division or chief
• of a military formation or celestial class 

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• Vidāraṇa (विदारण): Derived from the root vi-dṛś / vi-dhṛ, it refers to 
• breaking, splitting, or destroying. In compounds, it conveys the idea 
• of forceful destruction or shattering.
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Compound Meaning

• Anīka-vidāraṇa (अनीकविदारण): As a tatpurusha compound 
• (where the first component qualifies the second), the term means
• “destroyer of armies” or “shatterer of hosts.” This emphasizes 
• martial prowess or destructive capability in war 

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Literary Reference

• In the Mahābhārata (Vana Parva, Chapter 265, Verse 12), 
• Anīkavidāraṇa is mentioned as the brother of Jayadratha. He is 
• described as a warrior whose strength lies in defeating or dispersing 
• enemy troops, and he was slain by Arjuna 

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• The name reflects a traditional practice in Sanskrit literature of 
• bestowing descriptive epithets highlighting valor, qualities, 
• or destiny.
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Summary

• Literal meaning: Shatterer of armies
• Components: Anīka = army / troops; Vidāraṇa = destruction / 
• shattering
• Usage: Proper name of a person in the Mahābhārata, indicates 
• martial strength 

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Understanding Anīka Vidraṇa provides insight into how Sanskrit 

combines descriptive nouns into meaningful compounds that carry 

both literary and symbolic significance.