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 said: “O King, the hero, having unfastened his armor and laid down his excellent weapons, quickly descended from his chariot. With palms joined in reverence, he proceeded on foot.” The act signaled a deliberate shift from combat posture to humility and dharmic propriety—seeking rightful conduct and blessing before the violence of battle.
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.