Shloka 31
Chapter 19: Prativyūha of the Pāṇḍavas — Vajra (Acala) Formation and Dawn Omens
वारणा दशसाहस्रा: प्रभिन्नकरटामुखा: । शूरा हेममयैर्जललैर्दीप्पमाना इवाचला:
vāraṇā daśasāhasrāḥ prabhinnakaraṭāmukhāḥ | śūrā hemamayair jālaiḥ dīpyamānā ivācalāḥ ||
राजा युधिष्ठिर के पीछे पर्वतों-से ऊँचे दस हजार गजराज चले। उनके गण्डस्थलों से मद की धाराएँ फूट रही थीं। वे स्वर्ण-जालीदार झूलों से ऐसे दमक रहे थे मानो पर्वत दीप्त हों; और वर्षाकाल के मेघों की भाँति आगे बढ़ रहे थे।
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse is primarily descriptive rather than doctrinal: it highlights how immense military resources and outward splendor (golden trappings, mighty elephants) can project power and confidence in war, while also reminding the listener that such grandeur is part of a larger, morally fraught conflict where true dharma is tested beyond mere display.
Sañjaya reports the movement of Yudhiṣṭhira’s forces: a massive contingent of ten thousand war-elephants follows behind the king, exuding rut-fluid and shining with golden netted ornaments, compared to monsoon clouds and mountains to convey their overwhelming presence.