Shloka 45
द्रोणवध-प्रश्नः
Droṇa’s Fall: Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Inquiry
बभ्रकौशेयवर्णसस्तु सुवर्णवरमालिन: । ऊहुरम्लानमनसश्रेकितानं हयोत्तमा:,नेवले तथा रेशमके समान रंगवाले (पिंगल-गौर-वर्णके) उत्तम अश्व, जो सुन्दर सुवर्णकी मालासे विभूषित तथा प्रसन्नचित्तवाले थे, चेकितानको युद्धस्थलमें ले गये
babhrau kauśeyavarṇās tu suvarṇavaramālinaḥ | ūhur amlānamanasaś cekitānaṃ hayottamāḥ ||
Sañjaya berkata: Kuda-kuda terbaik—berwarna cokelat keemasan dengan kilau laksana sutra, berhias untaian emas yang indah, bersemangat dan tak letih dalam batin—membawa Cekitāna ke medan laga.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
In the context of dharma-yuddha, the verse highlights preparedness and steadfastness: the warrior’s entry is supported by disciplined resources (well-trained horses) and an unwearied resolve (amlānamanas), suggesting that duty in war requires both auspicious order and inner firmness.
Sañjaya describes Cekitāna being conveyed into the battle by excellent, silk-hued, tawny horses adorned with golden garlands, emphasizing the momentum and ceremonial martial splendor of his advance.