त्रिगर्त-मात्स्य-संग्रामः
The Trigarta–Matsya Engagement at Twilight
रथनागाश्व॒कलिलां पत्तिध्वजसमाकुलाम् | राजानो राजपुत्राश्न तनुत्राण्यथ भेजिरे
rathanāgāśvakalilāṁ pattidhvajasamākulām | rājāno rājaputrāś ca tanutrāṇy atha bhejire ||
قال فايشَمبايانا: كان ذلك الجيش مكتظًّا بالعربات الحربية والفيلة والخيول والمشاة، تعلوه الرايات والألوية في كل ناحية. ثم إن الملك والأمراء، كلٌّ في موضعه، لبسوا دروعهم الواقية استعدادًا للقتال.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights disciplined preparedness: when rulers choose the path of conflict, they must do so with sobriety and responsibility, organizing forces and taking protective measures—an implicit reminder that war is a weighty dharmic decision, not mere impulse.
The scene describes a fully assembled army—chariots, elephants, horses, and infantry—crowded together under many banners. In response, the kings and princes put on their armour, indicating imminent engagement and formal mobilization.