Shloka 28
अर्जुनस्य दिग्विजयारम्भः — Arjuna Initiates the Northern Campaign and Secures Bhagadattta’s Tribute
व्यूढोरस्कौ दीर्घभुजौ नियुद्धकुशलावुभौ । बाहुभि: समसज्जेतामायसै: परिघैरिव
vyūḍhoraskau dīrghabhujau niyuddhakuśalāv ubhau | bāhubhiḥ samasajjetām āyasaiḥ parighair iva ||
Ambos tenían el pecho ancho y bien formado, y brazos largos y poderosos. Diestros en el combate cercano y en la lucha, se aferraron el uno al otro; sus brazos chocaban y se entrelazaban como mazas de hierro—imagen que subraya la fuerza desnuda y el adiestramiento disciplinado que impulsaban la contienda.
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse is primarily descriptive rather than doctrinal: it highlights how trained prowess and physical discipline manifest in combat. Ethically, it frames the encounter as a contest of strength and skill, emphasizing controlled engagement (niyuddha) rather than chaotic violence.
Two formidable fighters—broad-chested and long-armed—engage in hand-to-hand combat. They grapple tightly, their arms compared to iron clubs, conveying the intensity and power of the struggle.