Shloka 3
रणभूमिवर्णनम् — Devāsuropama-yuddha and the ‘River’ Metaphor of the Battlefield
अकल्प्यन्त च मातड्रा: समनहान्त पत्तय: । रथानास्तरणोपेतांश्षक्रुरन्ये सहस्रश:
akalpyanta ca mātaṅgāḥ samanahyanta pattayaḥ | rathān āstaraṇopetān śakrur anye sahasraśaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: The elephants were being readied, the foot-soldiers were fastening on their armor, and thousands of others swiftly prepared chariots furnished with coverings. Understanding the king’s intent, the entire army hastened to its appointed tasks as the machinery of war moved into motion.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined responsiveness to leadership and the organized mobilization of a kṣatriya army. Ethically, it frames war as a collective, duty-bound enterprise in which each group performs its role once the ruler’s intention is understood—showing how intention (abhiprāya) translates into coordinated action.
Sañjaya describes the army rapidly preparing for battle: elephants are equipped, infantry put on armor, and thousands arrange chariots with coverings. The preparations begin as soon as the king’s plan is grasped, indicating imminent engagement.