Shloka 5
महेन्द्रयानप्रतिमं रथं तु सोपस्करं हाटकरत्नचित्रम् । युधिष्ठिर: काउ्चनभाण्डयोक्त्रं समास्थितो नागपुरस्य मध्ये,राजा युधिष्छिर हाथियोंकी सेनाके बीचमें खड़े एक सुन्दर रथपर आरूढ़ हुए, जो देवराज इन्द्रके रथकी समानता कर रहा था। उस रथमें सब आवश्यक सामग्री रखी गयी थी। भाँति-भाँतिके सुवर्ण तथा रत्नोंसे विभूषित होनेके कारण उस रथकी विचित्र शोभा हो रही थी। उसमें सुवर्णमय भाण्ड तथा रस्सियाँ रखी हुई थीं
sañjaya uvāca |
mahendrāyānapratimaṃ rathaṃ tu sopaskaraṃ hāṭakaratnacitram |
yudhiṣṭhiraḥ kāñcanabhāṇḍayoktraṃ samāsthito nāgapurasya madhye ||
Sañjaya said: Yudhiṣṭhira mounted a splendid chariot, comparable to the car of Mahendra (Indra). It was fully equipped with all necessary implements and adorned with gold and gems, shining with varied ornamentation. Furnished with golden vessels and harness-ropes, he stood stationed amid the elephant-corps—an image of royal order and preparedness as the armies arranged themselves for the coming conflict.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya preparedness and orderly leadership: even amid impending violence, the king’s role is to maintain discipline, readiness, and responsibility. The emphasis on a fully equipped chariot symbolizes competence and foresight—ethical governance expressed through careful preparation rather than rashness.
Sañjaya describes Yudhiṣṭhira taking his position for battle. He mounts an exceptionally splendid, well-equipped chariot—likened to Indra’s—and stands amid the elephant contingent, indicating the Pāṇḍava army’s arrangement and the king’s visible presence among key divisions.