Shloka 4
Karṇa-vadha-pratyaya: Yudhiṣṭhira’s Verification of Karṇa’s Fall (कर्णवध-प्रत्ययः)
तत् सादिनागकलिलं पदातिरथसंकुलम् | धृष्टद्युम्नमुखं व्यूहमशो भत महद् बलम्,घुड़सवारों, हाथियों, रथों तथा पैदलोंसे भरे हुए उस व्यूहके मुखभागमें धृष्टद्युम्न खड़े थे, जिससे उस विशाल सेनाकी बड़ी शोभा हो रही थी
tat sādināgakalilaṁ padātirathasaṅkulam | dhṛṣṭadyumnamukhaṁ vyūham aśobhat mahat balam ||
قال سنجيا: لقد تلألأ ذلك الجيش العظيم في تشكيلٍ قتالي مكتظٍّ بالفرسان والفيلة، ومزدحمٍ بالمشاة والعربات؛ وفي مقدّمة ذلك الصفّ وقف دْهريشتاديومنا، فزاد التشكيل نظامًا وبهاءً وسط ضجيج الحرب.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the classical epic ideal of leadership and order in warfare: a vast force gains coherence and ‘splendour’ when guided from the front by a responsible commander. It implicitly contrasts disciplined formation and command with mere chaotic mass, underscoring the kṣatriya emphasis on organized conduct even amid violence.
Sañjaya describes a great battle-array packed with cavalry, elephants, infantry, and chariots. Dhṛṣṭadyumna is positioned at the head of the formation, and his presence at the front makes the army appear especially formidable and resplendent.