Shloka 68
Kaurava Mobilization at Kurukṣetra (Duryodhana Orders War Preparations) / कुरुक्षेत्रे धार्तराष्ट्र-सैन्यसज्जा
आसाद्य तु कुरुक्षेत्र व्यूढानीका: प्रहारिण: । पाण्डवा: समदृश्यन्त नर्दन्तो वृषभा इव
āsādya tu kurukṣetraṁ vyūḍhānīkāḥ prahāriṇaḥ | pāṇḍavāḥ samadṛśyanta nardanto vṛṣabhā iva ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: Having reached Kurukṣetra, the Pāṇḍavas—whose forces were drawn up in battle-array and ready to strike—were seen roaring like bulls. The verse underscores the charged moment when disciplined preparation for war turns into open martial resolve, foreshadowing the ethical gravity of violence undertaken under the banner of duty.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the transition from strategic order (vyūha) to decisive action, implying that when war is undertaken as a matter of perceived duty, it is preceded by discipline and resolve—yet it also signals the moral weight of impending violence.
The Pāṇḍava forces arrive at Kurukṣetra in organized battle formation, poised to strike, and their loud roars—likened to bulls—announce readiness and intimidate the opposing side.