Shloka 14
त्रिगर्त-मात्स्य-संग्रामः
The Trigarta–Matsya Engagement at Twilight
अभेद्यकल्पं मत्स्यानां राजा कवचमाहरत् । उत्सेथे यस्य पद्मानि शतं सौगन्धिकानि च
vaiśampāyana uvāca | abhedyakalpaṁ matsyānāṁ rājā kavacam āharat | utsethe yasya padmāni śataṁ saugandhikāni ca |
Vaiśampāyana said: The king of the Matsyas brought forth an armor called “Abhedya-kalpa,” as it were unbreakable—impervious to being cut or pierced. Upon it were fashioned a hundred lotus-emblems and a hundred fragrant blue-lotus motifs, set in ordered rows—signs of royal splendor and preparedness, proclaiming both protection and the dignity of kingship as conflict drew near.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic responsibility of a ruler to ensure protection and readiness. Royal power is not mere ornamentation; it is meant to safeguard the realm, and the imagery of ‘unbreakable’ armor symbolizes steadfastness and duty in the face of danger.
In the Virāṭa Parva context, the Matsya king (Virāṭa) produces a formidable armor described as nearly impenetrable, adorned with numerous lotus motifs. This underscores the mobilization and martial preparedness surrounding the events of the Virāṭa episode.