Shloka 62
Kaurava Mobilization at Kurukṣetra (Duryodhana Orders War Preparations) / कुरुक्षेत्रे धार्तराष्ट्र-सैन्यसज्जा
ददतो गां हिरण्यं च ब्राह्म॒णैरभिसंवृता: । स्तूयमाना ययू राजन् रथैर्मणिविभूषितै:
dadato gāṃ hiraṇyaṃ ca brāhmaṇair abhisamvṛtāḥ | stūyamānā yayū rājan rathair maṇivibhūṣitaiḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Surrounded on every side by brāhmaṇas who praised them, the Pāṇḍavas kept giving gifts—cows and gold. Thus, O King, they went onward on their journey, riding in chariots adorned with jewels, upholding the honor of generosity and reverence toward the learned even as the shadow of war drew near.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dāna as a key expression of dharma: honoring learned brāhmaṇas through gifts (cows and gold) and maintaining righteous conduct and reputation even during politically charged preparations.
As the Pāṇḍavas travel, brāhmaṇas surround them and sing their praises; the Pāṇḍavas reciprocate by giving cows and gold, continuing their journey in jewel-decorated chariots.