Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 573
Śalya-hatānantarāṇi: Madrarāja-padānugānāṃ praskandana and the Pandava counter-encirclement (शल्यहतानन्तराणि—मद्रराजपदानुगानां प्रस्कन्दनम्)
संशान्तमपि मद्रेशं लक्ष्मीनैंव विमुड्चति । शक्तिने राजा शल्यके वक्षःस्थलको विदीर्ण कर डाला था
saṁśāntam api madreśaṁ lakṣmī naiva vimucyati |
Sañjaya said: Though the lord of Madra had been stilled forever—his life brought to its end—Lakṣmī, the radiance of royal splendor, did not abandon him. Thus a warrior-king’s dignity may remain visible even in death.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that true royal dignity and inner excellence (lakṣmī as splendor) can remain evident even after death; honor is not only in winning but also in the noble manner of one’s presence and end.
Sañjaya describes the fallen king of Madra (Śalya): though slain and motionless, his appearance still retains a striking radiance, emphasizing his stature even in defeat.
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