Shloka 31
Bhīmasena’s Kalinga Engagement and the Approach of Bhīṣma (भीमसेन-कालिङ्ग-संग्रामः)
द्वीपिचर्मावनद्धैश्व व्याप्रचर्मच्छदैरपि
dvīpicarmāvanaddhaiś ca vyāghracarmacchadair api
Sañjaya dit : «Ils étaient aussi revêtus de peaux de léopard, et portaient de même des couvertures faites de peau de tigre.» Le vers souligne l’allure farouche, presque ascétique, des guerriers : ils prennent les peaux de bêtes pour emblèmes de force et d’intimidation, sous la gravité morale de la bataille qui s’annonce.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse is primarily descriptive rather than doctrinal: it highlights how outward signs—like wearing leopard and tiger skins—are used to project ferocity and resolve in war, reminding readers that the battlefield is shaped not only by weapons but also by psychological and symbolic displays.
Sañjaya continues his report of the armies’ appearance and equipment, noting that some fighters are covered with leopard-skins and tiger-skin mantles, emphasizing the formidable, fear-inducing look of the assembled warriors.