Shloka 16
Indra-vijaya Upākhyāna and Śalya’s Assurance to Yudhiṣṭhira (इन्द्रविजयोपाख्यानम् — शल्ययुधिष्ठिरसंवादः)
उपाख्यानमिदं शक्रविजयं वेदसम्मितम् । राज्ञा व्यूढेष्वनीकेषु श्रोतव्यं जयमिच्छता
upākhyānam idaṃ śakravijayaṃ vedasammitam | rājñā vyūḍheṣv anīkeṣu śrotavyaṃ jayam icchatā ||
Śalya said: “This episode, called ‘Indra’s Victory,’ is comparable to the Veda in its authority and import. When armies have been arrayed in battle formation, a king who longs for victory should certainly listen to it.”
शल्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Before decisive action in war, a ruler should ground himself in authoritative, dharma-aligned instruction. The verse frames the ‘Śakra-vijaya’ narrative as Veda-like guidance meant to steady intention, strategy, and moral resolve when victory is sought.
Śalya recommends that, once the opposing forces are fully deployed for battle, the king should listen to the instructive tale called ‘Indra’s Victory.’ It functions as timely counsel delivered at the brink of conflict.