Shloka 4
Karṇa-vadha-pratyaya: Yudhiṣṭhira’s Verification of Karṇa’s Fall (कर्णवध-प्रत्ययः)
तत् सादिनागकलिलं पदातिरथसंकुलम् | धृष्टद्युम्नमुखं व्यूहमशो भत महद् बलम्,घुड़सवारों, हाथियों, रथों तथा पैदलोंसे भरे हुए उस व्यूहके मुखभागमें धृष्टद्युम्न खड़े थे, जिससे उस विशाल सेनाकी बड़ी शोभा हो रही थी
tat sādināgakalilaṁ padātirathasaṅkulam | dhṛṣṭadyumnamukhaṁ vyūham aśobhat mahat balam ||
Sañjaya sprach: Jenes große Heer glänzte herrlich als Schlachtordnung, dicht gedrängt von Reitern und Elefanten und voll von Fußsoldaten und Streitwagen; an der Spitze dieses Aufgebots stand Dhṛṣṭadyumna und verlieh ihm Ordnung und Glanz im Getöse des Krieges.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the classical epic ideal of leadership and order in warfare: a vast force gains coherence and ‘splendour’ when guided from the front by a responsible commander. It implicitly contrasts disciplined formation and command with mere chaotic mass, underscoring the kṣatriya emphasis on organized conduct even amid violence.
Sañjaya describes a great battle-array packed with cavalry, elephants, infantry, and chariots. Dhṛṣṭadyumna is positioned at the head of the formation, and his presence at the front makes the army appear especially formidable and resplendent.