Shloka 3
रणभूमिवर्णनम् — Devāsuropama-yuddha and the ‘River’ Metaphor of the Battlefield
अकल्प्यन्त च मातड्रा: समनहान्त पत्तय: । रथानास्तरणोपेतांश्षक्रुरन्ये सहस्रश:
akalpyanta ca mātaṅgāḥ samanahyanta pattayaḥ | rathān āstaraṇopetān śakrur anye sahasraśaḥ ||
Sañjaya sprach: Die Elefanten wurden zugerichtet, die Fußsoldaten schnallten ihre Rüstungen fest, und Tausende andere bereiteten eilig Wagen mit Abdeckungen vor. Da man den Willen des Königs erkannt hatte, beeilte sich das ganze Heer, seine Aufgabe zu erfüllen, und das Räderwerk des Krieges setzte sich in Gang.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined responsiveness to leadership and the organized mobilization of a kṣatriya army. Ethically, it frames war as a collective, duty-bound enterprise in which each group performs its role once the ruler’s intention is understood—showing how intention (abhiprāya) translates into coordinated action.
Sañjaya describes the army rapidly preparing for battle: elephants are equipped, infantry put on armor, and thousands arrange chariots with coverings. The preparations begin as soon as the king’s plan is grasped, indicating imminent engagement.