Shloka 3
धृतराष्ट्र-संजय-संवादः — इरावान्-आवन्त्ययोः युद्धम्, घटोत्कच-भगदत्त-संघर्षः, मद्रेश्वर-विक्षेपः
Dhṛtarāṣṭra–Sañjaya Dialogue: Irāvān vs the Avanti princes; Ghaṭotkaca vs Bhagadatta; Śalya checked by the Mādrī twins
नातिवृद्धमबालं च न कृशं न च पीवरम् । लघुवृत्तायतप्रायं सारयोधमनामयम्
sañjaya uvāca |
nātivṛddham abālaṃ ca na kṛśaṃ na ca pīvaram | laghuvṛttāyataprāyaṃ sārayodham anāmayam ||
Sañjaya said: “He was neither over-aged nor a mere child; neither emaciated nor corpulent. His habits were light and disciplined, his frame generally tall and well-proportioned; he was a capable charioteer and a man free from illness.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights suitability for responsibility: balanced age, balanced physique, disciplined habits, competence, and good health—qualities valued for effective service and duty in a war context.
Sañjaya is describing a person’s physical and practical qualifications—neither too old nor too young, neither too thin nor too heavy, generally tall, disciplined, skilled, and healthy—framing him as fit for the role at hand (notably charioteering and martial readiness).