Shloka 19
भीष्मभीमसमागमः — Bhīṣma–Bhīma Strategic Engagement and Counsel to the King
दुर्योधनस्तु समरे दंशितो रथमास्थित: । व्यराजत श्रिया जुष्टो यथा शक्रस्त्रिविष्टपे
sañjaya uvāca | duryodhanas tu samare daṃśito ratham āsthitaḥ | vyarājata śriyā juṣṭo yathā śakras tri-viṣṭape ||
Sañjaya said: In the thick of battle, Duryodhana—armoured and mounted upon his chariot—shone with a splendour that seemed to attend him, like Indra himself radiant in the heaven of the Thirty-three. The verse heightens the moral tension of the war: even a ruler aligned with adharma can appear outwardly glorious, reminding the listener that ethical judgment rests not on brilliance or power but on the righteousness of one’s cause and conduct.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that outward glory—armour, royal fortune, and battlefield radiance—can accompany even an unrighteous cause. Ethical discernment in the Mahābhārata depends on dharma (right conduct and justice), not merely on power, charisma, or splendour.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Duryodhana has entered the battle fully armoured and seated on his chariot, appearing brilliantly resplendent. His radiance is compared to Indra shining in heaven, emphasizing the dramatic, heroic atmosphere of the battlefield.