Shloka 4
अध्याय ८ — शल्यस्य सत्कारः, वरदानं, पाण्डवसमागमश्च (Śalya’s Reception, the Boon, and Meeting the Pāṇḍavas)
विचित्राभरणा: सर्वे विचित्ररथवाहना: । विचित्रस्रग्धरा: सर्वे विचित्राम्बर भूषणा:
vaicitrābharaṇāḥ sarve vaicitrarathavāhanāḥ | vaicitrasragdharāḥ sarve vaicitrāmbarabhūṣaṇāḥ ||
Dijo Vaiśampāyana: Todos llevaban ornamentos espléndidos y abigarrados; sus carros de guerra y monturas eran de clases diversas y llamativas. Todos lucían guirnaldas de muchos colores, y todos estaban engalanados con prendas y adornos extraordinarios. La escena ofrece la pompa marcial de un gran ejército: brillo exterior y despliegue disciplinado que anuncian la disposición para la guerra, y que, a la vez, recuerdan implícitamente al oyente que tal esplendor no es más que la superficie de las graves decisiones éticas que pronto habrán de revelarse.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds the dazzling external signs of martial power—ornaments, garments, chariots, and mounts—hinting that worldly splendor and military readiness do not by themselves resolve the deeper dharmic questions that war raises. It sets a contrast between appearance (pageantry) and the ethical weight of impending conflict.
Vaiśampāyana describes a gathered host of warriors as richly and variously adorned, with impressive chariots and vehicles. The narration paints the visual grandeur of an army’s assembly and preparation, emphasizing the scale and magnificence of the forces being marshaled.