Shloka 4763
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
अश्वास्तरपरिस्तोमान् राड़कवान् पतितान् भुवि । 'घुड़सवारोंकी ध्वजाओंके अग्रभागमें हाथियोंके सुनहरे कंबल उलझ गये हैं। घोड़ोंकी पीठपर बिछाये जानेवाले विचित्र, मणिजटित एवं सुवर्णभूषित रंकुमृगके चमड़ेके बने हुए झूल और जीन धरतीपर पड़े हैं, इन्हें देखो
sañjaya uvāca |
aśvāstara-paristomān rāḍakavān patitān bhuvi |
Dijo Sañjaya: «Mirad: en el suelo yacen los ricos arreos de caballos y mulas, las espléndidas cubiertas y ornamentos que antaño los engalanaban. En el caos de la batalla, el orgulloso despliegue de estandartes y los costosos jaeces han quedado enredados y derribados, mostrando cuán pronto la pompa marcial se desploma en ruina cuando la violencia desborda el orden».
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the fragility of worldly splendor: even the most ornate signs of power—banners, caparisons, and costly gear—are reduced to debris on the battlefield, reminding the listener that pride and display cannot withstand the consequences of violence and fate.
Sañjaya is reporting to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the दृश्य of the battlefield: animal coverings and rich trappings (for horses and related mounts) have fallen to the ground amid the fighting, conveying the scale of disorder and devastation.