Shloka 4
अर्जुनस्य दिग्विजयारम्भः — Arjuna Initiates the Northern Campaign and Secures Bhagadattta’s Tribute
आदाय रोचनां माल्यं मड़ल्यान्यपराणि च । धारयन्नगदान् मुख्यान् निर्वतीर्वेदनानि च । उपतस्थे जरासंध॑ युयुत्सुं वै पुरोहित:,जरासंधको युद्ध करनेके लिये उत्सुक देख उसके पुरोहित गोरोचन, माला, अन्यान्य मांगलिक वस्तुएँ तथा उत्तम-उत्तम ओषधियाँ, जो पीड़ाके समय भी सुख देनेवाली और मूर्च्छॉाकालमें भी होश बनाये रखनेवाली थीं, लेकर उसके पास आये
ādāya rocanāṃ mālyaṃ maṅgalyāny aparāṇi ca | dhārayan agadān mukhyān nirvātīr vedanāni ca | upatasthe jarāsandhaṃ yuyutsuṃ vai purohitaḥ ||
Seeing Jarāsandha eager to engage in battle, his family priest approached him carrying gorocanā, a garland, and other auspicious items, along with choice medicinal preparations—remedies meant to soothe pain and to keep one’s senses steady even in moments of fainting—so that the king might be strengthened and ritually readied for the coming fight.
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how royal action—especially war—is framed not only as physical combat but also as a ritually and ethically charged undertaking: the king is ‘prepared’ through auspicious rites and protective medicines, reflecting the traditional view that power should be exercised with restraint, order, and responsibility.
Jarāsandha is ready to fight, and his purohita comes to attend him, bringing auspicious materials (gorocanā, garlands, other maṅgala items) and potent remedies intended to ease pain and prevent loss of consciousness, thereby strengthening and safeguarding him for the impending conflict.