Shloka 64
Kṛṣṇa-vīrya-kathana
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s appraisal of Vāsudeva’s deeds
य इमां पृथिवीं कृत्स्नां चर्मवत् समवेष्टयत् । महता रथघोषेण मुख्यारिघ्नो महारथ:,जैसे चमड़ेको अंगोमें लपेट लिया जाता है, उसी प्रकार जिन्होंने अपने रथके महान् घोषद्वारा इस सारी पृथ्वीको व्याप्त कर लिया था, जो प्रधान-प्रधान शत्रुओंका वध करनेवाले और महारथी वीर थे, जिन्होंने प्रजाका पुत्रकी भाँति पालन करते हुए सुन्दर अन्न, पान तथा प्रचुर दक्षिणासे युक्त एवं विघ्नरहित दस अश्वमेध-यज्ञोंका अनुष्ठान किया और कितने ही सर्वमेध-यज्ञ सम्पन्न किये, वे राजा उशीनरके वीर पुत्र सर्वत्र विख्यात हैं, गंगाजीके स्रोतमें जितने सिकताकण बहते हैं, उतनी ही अर्थात् असंख्य गौएँ उशीनरकुमारने अपने यज्ञमें ब्राह्मणोंको दी थीं
ya imāṁ pṛthivīṁ kṛtsnāṁ carmavat samaveṣṭayat | mahatā rathaghoṣeṇa mukhyārighno mahārathaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “He who, as though wrapping the whole earth like a hide, encompassed this entire world by the mighty roar of his chariot—a great chariot-warrior, a slayer of foremost foes—is remembered here as a paradigm of royal power joined to public renown. The image underscores how fame and force can ‘cover’ the earth, and invites reflection on the ethical use of such might: true kingship is measured not only by conquest but by the protection and ordering of the realm.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a striking simile—wrapping the earth like a hide—to convey how overwhelming martial fame and power can pervade the world. Ethically, it points to the responsibility that accompanies such power: renown gained through force should be aligned with rightful kingship and protection of the realm, not mere domination.
Vaiśampāyana is describing a celebrated great warrior whose chariot’s thunderous sound symbolizes his expansive influence and battlefield supremacy, emphasizing his status as a mahāratha and a destroyer of leading enemies.