Shloka 35
त्रिगर्त-मात्स्य-संग्रामः
The Trigarta–Matsya Engagement at Twilight
सम्प्रयातं तदा राजन् निरीक्षन्तं गवां पदम् | तद् बलाग्रयं विराटस्य सम्प्रस्थितमशो भत । दृढायुधजनाकीर्ण गजाश्वरथसंकुलम्
saṃprayātaṃ tadā rājan nirīkṣantaṃ gavāṃ padam | tad balāgryaṃ virāṭasya samprasthitam aśobhat | dṛḍhāyudhajanākīrṇaṃ gajāśvarathasaṃkulam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: O King, at that time, as they set out and scanned the hoof-prints of the cattle, Virāṭa’s foremost army—already on the march for battle—shone with a striking splendor. It was crowded with foot-soldiers bearing firm, heavy weapons, and it was packed as well with elephants, horses, and chariots.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights rājadharma: a king must actively protect his property and dependents (here, the cattle) and respond decisively to threats. The ethical emphasis is on vigilance and responsibility—mobilizing force not for aggression, but for safeguarding what is entrusted to the ruler.
Virāṭa’s leading troops have marched out for battle and are examining the cattle’s tracks, indicating pursuit after a raid. The narrator paints a vivid military tableau: infantry with strong weapons and a full complement of elephants, horses, and chariots, all moving in coordinated readiness.