Shloka 10
त्रिगर्त-मात्स्य-संग्रामः
The Trigarta–Matsya Engagement at Twilight
रथनागाश्व॒कलिलां पत्तिध्वजसमाकुलाम् | राजानो राजपुत्राश्न तनुत्राण्यथ भेजिरे
rathanāgāśvakalilāṁ pattidhvajasamākulām | rājāno rājaputrāś ca tanutrāṇy atha bhejire ||
সেই সেনাদলে রথ, হাতি, ঘোড়া ও পদাতিক—সব রকম যোদ্ধা গিজগিজ করছিল, আর ধ্বজা-পতাকায় তা আচ্ছন্ন ছিল। তারপর রাজা ও রাজপুত্রেরা নিজ নিজ স্থানে বর্ম ধারণ করলেন।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
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.