Shloka 42
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
अश्वांश्व बहुधा पश्य शोणितेन परिप्लुतान् । अनुकर्षनुपासज्रान् पताका विविधान् ध्वजान्
sañjaya uvāca |
aśvānś ca bahudhā paśya śoṇitena pariplutān |
anukarṣān upāsaṅgān patākā vividhān dhvajān |
Sañjaya dit : «Voyez les chevaux gisant en maints endroits, noyés de sang. Voyez aussi les anukarṣa et upāsaṅga (les courroies traînantes et les pièces d’attelage des chars), les bannières et les étendards de toutes sortes—épars dans les décombres du combat.»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical gravity of war by highlighting its aftermath: not heroic triumph but blood, broken implements, and fallen animals. It invites sober reflection on dharma by making the cost of conflict visible and undeniable.
Sañjaya, narrating the battle to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, points out the scene on the field—horses soaked in blood and chariot fittings, banners, and standards scattered about—signs of intense fighting and widespread destruction.