Shloka 11
Parīkṣit Confronts Kali; Dharma and Bhūmi Lament Kṛṣṇa’s Departure
स्वलङ्कृतं श्यामतुरङ्गयोजितं रथं मृगेन्द्रध्वजमाश्रित: पुरात् । वृतो रथाश्वद्विपपत्तियुक्तया स्वसेनया दिग्विजयाय निर्गत: ॥ ११ ॥
svalaṅkṛtaṁ śyāma-turaṅga-yojitaṁ rathaṁ mṛgendra-dhvajam āśritaḥ purāt vṛto rathāśva-dvipapatti-yuktayā sva-senayā digvijayāya nirgataḥ
Mahārāja Parīkṣit bestieg einen prächtig geschmückten Wagen, von schwarzen Pferden gezogen, dessen Banner das Zeichen des Löwen trug. Umgeben von Wagenkämpfern, Reitern, Elefanten und Fußsoldaten verließ er die Hauptstadt zur Eroberung aller Himmelsrichtungen.
Mahārāja Parīkṣit is distinguished from his grandfather Arjuna, for black horses pulled his chariot instead of white horses. He marked his flag with the mark of a lion, and his grandfather marked his with the mark of Hanumānjī. A royal procession like that of Mahārāja Parīkṣit surrounded by well-decorated chariots, cavalry, elephants, infantry and band not only is pleasing to the eyes, but also is a sign of a civilization that is aesthetic even on the fighting front.
FAQs
In this verse, digvijaya refers to Mahārāja Parīkṣit’s royal expedition—setting out with a complete army to establish righteous rule in all directions, as was the custom of ideal kings.
Śukadeva describes the King departing in the traditional manner of a kṣatriya ruler—fully equipped with chariots, cavalry, elephants, and infantry—to uphold dharma and secure the realm.
It highlights purposeful leadership and preparedness: act with dignity, organize your resources responsibly, and take initiative to protect what is right in your sphere of duty.