Shloka 15
कर्णस्य सेनापत्यं, माकरव्यूहः, पाण्डवानामर्धचन्द्रव्यूहः
Karna’s Command; Mākara Formation; Pandava Crescent Counter-Array
दुर्योधनो नागकुलस्य मध्ये व्यवस्थित: सिंह इवाबभासे । रथेन जाम्बूनदभूषणेन व्यवस्थित: समरे योत्स्यमान:,हाथियोंकी सेनाके बीच जो अपने सुवर्णभूषित रथके द्वारा उपस्थित हो सिंहके समान सुशोभित होता है, वह राजा दुर्योधन भी समरांगणमें जूझनेके लिये खड़ा है
sañjaya uvāca | duryodhano nāgakulasya madhye vyavasthitaḥ siṃha ivābabhāse | rathena jāmbūnadabhūṣaṇena vyavasthitaḥ samare yotsyamānaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: In the midst of the elephant divisions, King Duryodhana stood forth, shining like a lion. Mounted on his chariot adorned with Jāmbūnada gold, he remained poised on the battlefield, resolved to fight.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts external grandeur and battlefield courage with the deeper ethical question of rightful conduct: a leader may appear lion-like in power and splendor, yet if driven by pride and unjust aims, such brilliance does not equal dharma.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Duryodhana is positioned amid the elephant troops, standing ready to fight, radiant on a chariot decorated with fine gold—an image of confident readiness at the opening of combat movements in the Karṇa Parva.