Shloka 21
Adhyāya 152: Kaurava-sainyavibhāgaḥ
Division and Standardization of the Kaurava Host
ते रथान् रथिन: श्रेष्ठा हयांश्ष हयकोविदा: । सज्जयन्ि सम नागांश्व॒ नागशिक्षास्वनुछिता:,श्रेष्ठ रथी अपने रथोंको, अश्वसंचालनकी कलामें कुशल योद्धा घोड़ोंको और हस्तिशिक्षामें निपुण सैनिक हाथियोंको सुसज्जित करने लगे
te rathān rathinaḥ śreṣṭhā hayāṁś ca hayakovidāḥ | sajjayan samānāgāṁś ca nāgaśikṣāsv anuśikṣitāḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The foremost chariot-warriors began readying their chariots; those skilled in horsemanship prepared the horses; and men trained in the discipline of elephant-handling equipped the elephants as well. The scene underscores organized martial duty—each group performing its appointed role with trained competence as the forces move toward the coming conflict.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Competence and discipline in one’s assigned role are part of dharma: the verse highlights orderly preparation where trained specialists perform their duties without confusion, reflecting responsible conduct even amid impending war.
As the conflict approaches in the Udyoga Parva, the forces are being readied: charioteers and chariot-warriors prepare chariots, horse-experts prepare horses, and elephant-trained men equip the war-elephants.