Shloka 12
Karna Reproves Shalya; Brahmin Reports on Bāhlīkas; Shalya’s Universalizing Rebuttal (कर्ण–शल्य संवादः)
सुखोषितास्तां रजनीं हृष्टा युद्धाय निर्ययु: । तेडपश्यन् विदहितं व्यूहं धर्मराजेन दुर्जयम्
sukhoṣitās tāṃ rajanīṃ hṛṣṭā yuddhāya niryayuḥ | te ’paśyan vihitaṃ vyūhaṃ dharmarājena durjayam ||
Sañjaya sprach: Nachdem sie jene Nacht in Behagen verbracht und sich voller Kampfeslust erhoben hatten, zogen sie in die Schlacht. Da erblickten sie die von Dharmarāja geordnete Schlachtaufstellung — ein Gefüge, das schwer zu überwinden war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even within warfare, the verse highlights the ethical dimension of leadership: Dharmarāja’s formation is not merely tactical but symbolizes ordered, disciplined action under a ruler identified with dharma—suggesting that power and strategy gain legitimacy when aligned with righteous intent and restraint.
After a restful night, the warriors set out eagerly for combat. On the battlefield they encounter a carefully arranged and formidable vyūha set by Dharmarāja (Yudhiṣṭhira), indicating that the Pāṇḍava side has prepared a strong defensive/offensive order that will be difficult to break.