Shloka 28
Kaurava Mobilization at Kurukṣetra (Duryodhana Orders War Preparations) / कुरुक्षेत्रे धार्तराष्ट्र-सैन्यसज्जा
क्षिप्रहस्तश्चित्रयोधी मत: सेनापतिर्मम । अभेद्यकवच: श्रीमान् मातड़ इव यूथप:
kṣiprahastaś citrayodhī mataḥ senāpatir mama | abhedyakavacaḥ śrīmān mātaṅga iva yūthapaḥ ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: «A mi juicio, el ilustre Dhṛṣṭadyumna es digno de ser comandante del ejército: veloz de mano, diestro en combatir con tácticas variadas y sutiles, protegido por una armadura impenetrable y espléndido como el elefante que guía a la manada».
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the dharmic criteria for military leadership in a crisis: a commander should be swift in action, tactically versatile, well-protected (symbolizing steadiness and reliability), and capable of leading and inspiring the host like a herd-leader elephant.
Vaiśampāyana describes the qualities that make Dhṛṣṭadyumna suitable to be appointed senāpati, praising his speed, skill in varied modes of combat, strong protection, and commanding presence.