Shloka 29
Yuddha-yajña-vyākhyāna (The Battle as Sacrifice): Ambarīṣa–Indra Saṃvāda
नीलचर्मावृतै: खड्गैर्बाहुभि: परिघोपमै:
nīlacarmāvṛtaiḥ khaḍgair bāhubhiḥ parighopamaiḥ
Ambarīṣa décrit des guerriers dont les bras, pareils à des massues de fer, manient des épées gainées de cuir sombre—image qui souligne une redoutable préparation martiale et la force d’intimidation, compagne de l’agression injuste comme de la protection disciplinée lorsqu’elle s’accorde au dharma.
अम्बरीष उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses vivid weapon-and-body imagery to underline the moral weight of power: strength and armament are fearsome in themselves, but their ethical value depends on whether they are exercised in protection of dharma or in intimidation and harm.
Ambarīṣa is describing a scene of martial preparedness—men with club-like arms bearing swords wrapped in dark leather—highlighting the presence and menace of armed warriors within the broader Shānti Parva discussion on conduct, governance, and the proper use of force.