Shloka 14
Kaurava Mobilization at Kurukṣetra (Duryodhana Orders War Preparations) / कुरुक्षेत्रे धार्तराष्ट्र-सैन्यसज्जा
श्लाघ्य: पार्थिववंशस्य प्रमुखे वाहिनीपति: । पुत्रपौत्रै: परिवृत: शतशाख इव द्रुम:
ślāghyaḥ pārthivavaṁśasya pramukhe vāhinīpatiḥ | putrapautraiḥ parivṛtaḥ śataśākha iva drumaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: At the forefront stood a commander of the army, a man worthy of praise and an ornament of the royal line—surrounded by his sons and grandsons, like a great tree spreading into a hundred branches. The verse highlights the ideal of a ruler’s house as a living lineage: strength and leadership are shown not merely in personal valor, but in the continuity, responsibility, and ordered support of one’s family and followers.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse praises leadership rooted in dharmic kingship: a worthy commander stands foremost, supported by an ordered lineage. The image of a many-branched tree suggests stability, continuity, and responsibility—power is strengthened when family and followers are integrated under righteous leadership.
Vaiśampāyana describes a prominent army commander positioned at the front of the host, attended by his sons and grandsons. The scene emphasizes martial readiness and the visible strength of a royal house through its descendants and retainers.