Shloka 12
अलम्बुस-वधः
The Neutralization of Alambusa
हरिणा चन्दनेनाड्रमुपलिप्य महाभुज: । स्रग्वी चाक्लिष्टवसन: प्राड्मुख: प्राउजलि: स्थित:,फिर वे महाबाहु युधिष्ठिर अपने सारे अंगोंमें हरिचन्दनका अनुलेपन करके नूतन वस्त्र और पुष्पमाला धारण किये हाथ जोड़े पूर्वांभिमुख होकर बैठ गये
sañjaya uvāca |
hariṇā candanenārdram upalipya mahābhujaḥ |
sragvī cākliṣṭavasanaḥ prāṅmukhaḥ prāñjaliḥ sthitaḥ ||
Sañjaya berkata: Setelah mengoleskan pasta cendana kuning yang lembap ke seluruh tubuhnya, sang raja berlengan perkasa itu berdiri berhias kalung bunga dan mengenakan pakaian baru yang bersih. Menghadap timur, dengan kedua tangan terkatup dalam hormat, ia tetap teguh—menandai pilihan pada kemurnian, pengendalian diri, dan tekad dharma di tengah desakan perang.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in the midst of conflict, dharmic leadership emphasizes inner discipline and outward restraint: cleanliness, reverence, and deliberate orientation toward auspicious action. The verse frames ritual composure as a moral counterweight to the chaos of war.
Sañjaya describes Yudhiṣṭhira preparing in a formal, auspicious manner—anointing himself with yellow sandal paste, wearing a garland and clean clothes, and standing (or remaining) facing east with folded hands—indicating readiness for prayer, vow, or a solemn rite before the next action.