Shloka 26
इन्द्रस्य पाण्डवैः समागमः
Indra’s Meeting with the Pāṇḍavas
ह्रेषयामासुरन्योन्यं हेषितैर्विजयावहै: । स तमास्थाय भगवान् राजराजो महारथम्
hreṣayāmāsur anyonyaṁ heṣitair vijayāvahaiḥ | sa tam āsthāya bhagavān rājarājo mahāratham ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: They urged one another on with triumphant neighs that promised victory. Then the divine King of kings mounted that great chariot, taking his place as the action moved toward its fateful outcome.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the psychology of martial momentum: mutual encouragement and auspicious signals (victory-bringing neighs) strengthen resolve, while rightful leadership is marked by decisive readiness to take one’s place at the critical moment.
Amid a warlike mobilization, the horses (or chariot-team) neigh triumphantly and spur each other on; immediately after, the sovereign described as ‘the divine king of kings’ mounts and takes position with the great chariot-warrior, signaling the start of decisive action.