Shloka 156
द्रोणवध-प्रश्नः
Droṇa’s Fall: Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Inquiry
वहमाना व्यराजन्त मत्स्यस्यामित्रघातिन: । शत्रुसूदन मत्स्यराज विराटके रथको जो वहन करते हुए शोभा पा रहे थे, वे उत्तम घोड़े पाडरके फूलोंक समान लाल और सफेद रंगवाले थे
vahamānā vyarājanta matsyasyāmitraghatinaḥ | śatrusūdana matsyarāja-virāṭake rathako yo vahan karate hue śobhā pā rahe the, ve uttama ghoṛe pāḍara ke phūloṃ ke samāna lāla aura śveta raṅgavāle the |
Sañjaya berkata: Saat mengusung kereta, kuda-kuda Raja Matsya Virāṭa—penumpas musuh—tampak berkilau cemerlang. Wahai penakluk musuh, kuda-kuda unggul itu berwarna merah dan putih, laksana bunga pohon pāḍara, sehingga menambah semarak kemegahan perang sang raja.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily serves epic narration rather than direct moral instruction: it highlights how outward discipline and excellence (well-bred, well-kept horses and a well-equipped chariot) support a ruler’s duty in wartime, reflecting the kṣatriya ideal of preparedness and resolute action.
Sañjaya describes Virāṭa, the Matsya king, advancing with his chariot team. The horses carrying the chariot are portrayed as strikingly beautiful—red and white like pāḍara blossoms—emphasizing the grandeur and momentum of the martial scene.