Shloka 3163
Bhīmasena’s Kalinga Engagement and the Approach of Bhīṣma (भीमसेन-कालिङ्ग-संग्रामः)
विकोशैर्विमलै: खड्गैरभिजग्मु: परान् रणे | जो चमकीली तलवारें पहले चितकबरे अथवा साधारण व्याप्र-चर्मकी बनी हुई म्यानोंमें बंद रहती थीं
sañjaya uvāca | vikośair vimalaiḥ khaḍgair abhijagmuḥ parān raṇe |
Dengan pedang yang berkilau, bersih, dan telah terhunus, para kesatria mendesak musuh di medan laga. Pedang-pedang yang sebelumnya tersarung dalam sarung dari kulit harimau tutul atau kulit harimau biasa itu ditarik keluar; dan dengan senjata itulah mereka menewaskan lawan di gelanggang perang.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the irreversible moral weight of entering battle: once swords are drawn, intent becomes action. It reflects kṣātra-dharma—courage and duty in war—while implicitly reminding that such duty carries grave consequences.
Sanjaya describes warriors drawing their gleaming swords and advancing directly against opposing fighters on the battlefield, engaging in close combat and killing enemies.