Shloka 19
Adhyāya 195 — Arjuna’s Capability and Restraint Regarding Divyāstras
Udyoga Parva
तेषां विंशतिसाहस्रा हया: शूरैरधिषछिता: । पठ्च नागसहस्राणि रथवंशाशक्ष सर्वश:
teṣāṁ viṁśati-sāhasrā hayāḥ śūraiḥ adhiṣṭhitāḥ | pañca nāga-sahasrāṇi ratha-vaṁśāś ca sarvaśaḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana dijo: Entre ellos había veinte mil caballos, cada uno montado por guerreros valientes; había también cinco mil elefantes y, en todas direcciones, numerosos carros de guerra. La descripción subraya el ímpetu creciente de la guerra: combatientes expertos, encendidos en férrea determinación, reuniéndose en una fuerza abrumadora.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how quickly conflict becomes institutional and massive: once war is set in motion, resources and seasoned fighters gather in great numbers. Ethically, it serves as a warning about escalation—power and preparedness can intensify adharma if not restrained by wise counsel and dharma.
Vaiśampāyana is describing the composition and scale of assembled forces: a large cavalry contingent (20,000 horses with heroic riders), a substantial elephant corps (5,000), and numerous chariot formations spread throughout, indicating a fully mobilized army.