Shloka 42
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
अश्वांश्व बहुधा पश्य शोणितेन परिप्लुतान् । अनुकर्षनुपासज्रान् पताका विविधान् ध्वजान्
sañjaya uvāca |
aśvānś ca bahudhā paśya śoṇitena pariplutān |
anukarṣān upāsaṅgān patākā vividhān dhvajān |
قال سنجيا: «انظروا إلى الخيول المطروحة في مواضع شتّى، وقد غمرها الدم. وانظروا كذلك إلى الأنوكرشا والأوباسانغا (أحزمة الجرّ واللوازم الملحقة بالعربات)، وإلى الرايات ومختلف الألوية—كلّها مبعثرة في خراب المعركة.»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical gravity of war by highlighting its aftermath: not heroic triumph but blood, broken implements, and fallen animals. It invites sober reflection on dharma by making the cost of conflict visible and undeniable.
Sañjaya, narrating the battle to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, points out the scene on the field—horses soaked in blood and chariot fittings, banners, and standards scattered about—signs of intense fighting and widespread destruction.