Shloka 46
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
वैदूर्यमणिदण्डांश्व पतितांश्वाड्कुशान् भुवि । अश्वानां च युगापीडान् रत्नचित्रानुरश्छदान्
sañjaya uvāca |
vaidūryamaṇidaṇḍāṃś ca patitāṃś cāṅkuśān bhuvi |
aśvānāṃ ca yugāpīḍān ratnacitrān uraśchadān |
Sañjaya dit : «Regardez : à terre gisent, renversés, les bâtons et les aiguillons incrustés de gemmes de vaidūrya ; les coussinets des jougs des chevaux sont eux aussi dispersés, avec des plastrons ornés de joyaux. Cette splendeur, destinée à conduire et à protéger, se trouve maintenant rejetée dans la poussière — image de la guerre qui abat la richesse royale et l’ordre discipliné jusqu’à la ruine.»
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the impermanence of worldly power and ornament: objects of control (goads) and protection (breast-guards), once symbols of order and prestige, end up scattered in dust. It implicitly critiques attachment to external splendor when violence overturns stability.
Sañjaya is describing the battlefield aftermath: charioteering implements and horse-gear, along with jewel-adorned protective equipment, have fallen to the ground, indicating disorder, casualties, and the collapse of martial formations.