Shloka 32
त्रिगर्त-मात्स्य-संग्रामः
The Trigarta–Matsya Engagement at Twilight
स्वारूढा युद्धकुशलै: शिक्षिता हस्तिसादिभि: । राजानमन्वयु: पश्चाच्चलन्त इव पर्वता:
svārūḍhā yuddhakuśalaiḥ śikṣitā hastisādibhiḥ | rājānam anvayuḥ paścāc calanta iva parvatāḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: Trained by expert elephant-drivers skilled in warfare, the great elephants—bearing riders upon their backs—followed King Virāṭa from behind, appearing like mountains set in motion.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights that effective power in a kingdom is disciplined and trained: even immense force (elephants) becomes ethically and practically meaningful when guided by skilled instruction and orderly command.
A royal military retinue is described: trained war-elephants carrying riders proceed behind King Virāṭa, their massive, steady movement compared to walking mountains.