Shloka 4
अध्याय ८ — शल्यस्य सत्कारः, वरदानं, पाण्डवसमागमश्च (Śalya’s Reception, the Boon, and Meeting the Pāṇḍavas)
विचित्राभरणा: सर्वे विचित्ररथवाहना: । विचित्रस्रग्धरा: सर्वे विचित्राम्बर भूषणा:,राजन! महान् बलवान् और पराक्रमी शल्य अक्षौहिणी सेनाके स्वामी थे। सैकड़ों और हजारों वीर क्षत्रियशिरोमणि उनकी विशाल वाहिनीका संचालन करनेवाले सेनापति थे। वे सब-के-सब शौर्य-सम्पन्न, कवच धारण करनेवाले तथा विचित्र ध्वज एवं धनुषसे सुशोभित थे। उन सबके अंग में विचित्र आभूषण शोभा दे रहे थे। सभीके रथ और वाहन विचित्र थे। सबके गलेमें विचित्र मालाएँ सुशोभित थीं। सबके वस्त्र और अलंकार अद्भुत दिखायी देते थे। उन सबने अपने-अपने देशकी वेश-भूषा धारण कर रखी थी
vaicitrābharaṇāḥ sarve vaicitrarathavāhanāḥ | vaicitrasragdharāḥ sarve vaicitrāmbarabhūṣaṇāḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: All of them wore splendid, variegated ornaments; their chariots and mounts were of diverse and striking kinds. All bore garlands of many colors, and all were adorned with remarkable garments and decorations. The scene presents the martial pageantry of a great host—outer brilliance and disciplined display that signal readiness for war, while implicitly reminding the listener that such splendor is only the surface of the grave ethical choices soon to unfold.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds the dazzling external signs of martial power—ornaments, garments, chariots, and mounts—hinting that worldly splendor and military readiness do not by themselves resolve the deeper dharmic questions that war raises. It sets a contrast between appearance (pageantry) and the ethical weight of impending conflict.
Vaiśampāyana describes a gathered host of warriors as richly and variously adorned, with impressive chariots and vehicles. The narration paints the visual grandeur of an army’s assembly and preparation, emphasizing the scale and magnificence of the forces being marshaled.