Shloka 42
Chapter 51: Saṃdhyākāla-saṃhāra
Evening Withdrawal after Arjuna’s Counter-Advance
एतदीदृशकं कृत्वा मद्रराजो नराधिप । आरुरोह रथं तूर्ण भास्वरं कृतवर्मण:,नरेश्वर! यह पराक्रम करके मद्रराज शल्य तुरंत ही कृतवर्माके तेजस्वी रथपर चढ़ गये
etad īdṛśakaṃ kṛtvā madrarājo narādhipa | āruroha rathaṃ tūrṇaṃ bhāsvaraṃ kṛtavarmaṇaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “Having performed such a feat, O king, the Madra ruler Śalya swiftly mounted the radiant chariot of Kṛtavarman.” The verse underscores the rapid, decisive movements of warriors in battle and the practical ethics of alliance—accepting support and resources (here, a chariot) to continue one’s duty in war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In a dharma-framed war narrative, the verse highlights prompt, purposeful action and the pragmatic ethics of cooperation among allies: a warrior continues his duty by swiftly taking up available support to remain effective in battle.
After displaying a notable act of prowess, Śalya, king of Madra, quickly climbs onto the splendid chariot belonging to Kṛtavarman, as Sañjaya reports to the king.