Shloka 11
Śalya’s Consecration as Senāpati and Kṛṣṇa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira (शल्यस्य सेनापत्यभिषेकः)
कान्तिरूपमुखैश्वर्यस्त्रिभिश्वन्द्रमसा समम् । काजञज्चनोपलसंघातै: सदृशं श्लिष्टसंधिकम्
kāntirūpamukhaiśvaryas tribhiś candramasā samam | kāñcanopalasaṅghātaiḥ sadṛśaṃ śliṣṭasandhikam ||
Sañjaya said: “In radiance, beauty, and majesty it was like the moon in its three aspects. Its structure, with joints closely fitted, resembled a compact mass of gold and precious stones.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward splendour—radiance, beauty, and royal majesty—can be portrayed as almost celestial; in the Mahābhārata’s war context, such imagery often underscores the contrast between dazzling appearances and the grim ethical stakes of battle.
Sañjaya is describing an object of striking brilliance and fine construction, comparing it to the moon and to a compact assemblage of gold and gems, emphasizing its lustre and tightly fitted workmanship.