Shloka 12
बद्धारिष्टा बद्धकक्षा बद्धध्वजपताकिन: । बद्धाभरणनिर्यूहा बद्धचर्मासिपट्टिशा:,उस सेनाके रथोंमें अमंगल निवारणके लिये यन्त्र और ओषधियाँ बाँधी गयी थीं। वे रस्सियोंसे खूब कसे गये थे। उन रथोंपर बँधी हुई ध्वजा-पताकाएँ फहरा रही थीं। उनके ऊपर छोटी-छोटी घंटियाँ बँधी थीं और कँगूरे जोड़े गये थे। उन सबमें ढाल-तलवार और पट्टिश आबद्ध थे
vaiśampāyana uvāca |
baddhāriṣṭā baddhakakṣā baddhadhvajapatākinaḥ |
baddhābharaṇaniryūhā baddhacarmāsipaṭṭiśāḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: The chariots of that army had protective charms fastened on them to ward off ill-omens; their fittings were tightly bound with straps. Flags and pennants were secured and fluttered above, with small bells and ornamental projections attached. Each chariot was equipped and bound with shields, swords, and paṭṭiśa weapons.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how warriors combine practical preparedness (weapons, tight bindings, equipment) with ritual measures (charms against ill-omens). Ethically, it reflects the human impulse to seek control over fate in war, yet also implies that external protections cannot replace right counsel and dharmic judgment.
Vaiśampāyana describes the army’s chariots being fully outfitted: protective charms are tied on, straps are tightened, banners and pennants are fixed, ornaments and bells are attached, and weapons like shields, swords, and paṭṭiśas are secured—signaling imminent mobilization and battle-readiness.