Shloka 12
Chapter 47: Krauñca-vyūha Deployment and Conch-Signals
Kaurava–Pāṇḍava Readiness
विमुच्य कवचं वीरो निक्षिप्य च वरायुधम् । अवरुह्ा रथात् क्षिप्रंं पद्भधयामेव कृतांजलि:
sañjaya uvāca |
vimucya kavacaṁ vīro nikṣipya ca varāyudham |
avaruhya rathāt kṣipraṁ padbhyām eva kṛtāñjaliḥ rājann |
Sañjaya sprach: «O König, der Held löste seine Rüstung und legte seine erlesenen Waffen nieder; dann stieg er rasch von seinem Wagen. Mit ehrfürchtig gefalteten Händen schritt er zu Fuß weiter.» Die Tat zeigt einen bewussten Wandel: von der Kampfhaltung zu Demut und dharmischer Angemessenheit — auf der Suche nach rechtem Handeln und Segen, ehe die Gewalt der Schlacht beginnt.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in unavoidable conflict, dharma requires restraint and reverence: setting aside weapons and approaching with folded hands symbolizes humility, respect for elders/teachers, and the ethical framing of war as duty rather than hatred.
Sañjaya describes a warrior who removes armor, puts down weapons, descends from the chariot, and walks forward with joined palms—indicating a respectful approach (commonly understood in this context as Yudhiṣṭhira going to seek blessings from elders like Bhīṣma) before the battle proceeds.