Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 9
Adhyāya 14: Śalya’s Missile-Pressure and the Pāṇḍava Convergence (शल्यस्य शरवर्षम्)
स रथ: सर्वतो भाति चित्रपुड्खै: शितै: शरै:
sa rathaḥ sarvato bhāti citrapuḍkhaiḥ śitaiḥ śaraiḥ
Sanjaya reports that the chariot shone on every side, made brilliant by the sharp arrows with variegated fletchings embedded all around—an image that underscores how, in the fury of battle, even instruments of war can appear dazzling while bearing the marks of violence.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the paradox of war: the chariot’s ‘radiance’ comes from being covered with sharp arrows. It invites reflection on how martial glory and visual splendor can mask suffering and destruction, reminding the listener to distinguish true dharma from mere spectacle.
Sañjaya describes a chariot in the midst of combat. It appears bright from every direction because numerous sharp, color-fletched arrows are lodged in it, indicating intense missile exchange and the ferocity of the ongoing fight.
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