Shloka 2
अश्वमेधीयस्य हयस्य दक्षिणापश्चिमगमनम् — The Sacrificial Horse’s Southern and Western Circuit
हस्त्यश्वरथयुक्तेन पताकाध्वजमालिना । अमृष्यमाणास्ते योधा तृपस्य शकुनेर्वधम्
hasty-aśva-ratha-yuktena patākā-dhvaja-mālinā | amṛṣyamāṇās te yodhās tṛpasyāḥ śakuner vadham
हाथी-घोड़े-रथों से युक्त और पताकाओं-ध्वजों से सुसज्जित वे योद्धा, असह्य क्रोध से भरे हुए, शकुनि के वध से तृप्ति मानने लगे।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights an ethical tension in warfare: even when an enemy’s death seems like deserved retribution, taking pleasure in killing reflects the corrosive emotional effects of conflict. It invites reflection on justice versus vindictiveness within kṣatriya duty.
A force equipped with elephants, horses, and chariots, decorated with banners and standards, is described. The warriors, stirred by resentment and unable to bear past injuries, feel satisfaction at the news/event of Śakuni’s slaying.