Shloka 29
Yuddha-yajña-vyākhyāna (The Battle as Sacrifice): Ambarīṣa–Indra Saṃvāda
नीलचर्मावृतै: खड्गैर्बाहुभि: परिघोपमै:
nīlacarmāvṛtaiḥ khaḍgair bāhubhiḥ parighopamaiḥ
Ambarīṣa describe a guerreros cuyos brazos, como mazas de hierro, empuñan espadas envainadas en cuero oscuro: una imagen que subraya una temible disposición marcial y la fuerza intimidante que acompaña tanto a la agresión injusta como a la protección disciplinada cuando se alinea con el dharma.
अम्बरीष उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses vivid weapon-and-body imagery to underline the moral weight of power: strength and armament are fearsome in themselves, but their ethical value depends on whether they are exercised in protection of dharma or in intimidation and harm.
Ambarīṣa is describing a scene of martial preparedness—men with club-like arms bearing swords wrapped in dark leather—highlighting the presence and menace of armed warriors within the broader Shānti Parva discussion on conduct, governance, and the proper use of force.