Shloka 10
Śalya’s Consecration as Senāpati and Kṛṣṇa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira (शल्यस्य सेनापत्यभिषेकः)
बले जवे च सदृशमरुणानुजवातयो: । आदित्यस्यार्चिषा तुल्यं बुद्धया चोशनसा समम्
bale jave ca sadṛśam aruṇānujavātayoḥ | ādityasyārciṣā tulyam buddhayā cośanasā samam ||
Sañjaya said: “In strength and in speed he was like Aruṇa’s younger brother, the Wind; in radiance he was comparable to the Sun’s blazing rays; and in intelligence he was equal to Uśanas (Śukra).”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse models a classical Mahābhārata ethic of evaluating a warrior not only by physical prowess (strength and speed) but also by inner qualities (radiance as a sign of heroic presence and intelligence likened to Śukra). Excellence is portrayed as multi-dimensional, implying that true leadership in war requires both might and discernment.
Sañjaya is describing a prominent warrior through elevated similes: as swift as Vāyu, as radiant as the Sun, and as wise as Uśanas (Śukra). This functions as a narrative intensifier before or during battlefield events, highlighting the formidable stature of the person being described.