Shloka 29
त्रिगर्त-मात्स्य-संग्रामः
The Trigarta–Matsya Engagement at Twilight
तरस्विनश्छन्नरूपा: सर्वे युद्धविशारदा: । रथान् हेमपरिच्छन्नानास्थाय च महारथा:
tarasvinaś channarūpāḥ sarve yuddhaviśāradāḥ | rathān hemaparicchannān āsthāya ca mahārathāḥ ||
Mereka melaju dengan daya yang besar, sementara jati diri mereka masih disembunyikan; semuanya mahir dalam seni perang. Keempat mahāratha putra Kuntī—permata wangsa Kuru—menaiki kereta berhiaskan emas dan serentak berangkat cepat, mengikuti Virāṭa dari dekat.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharmic strategy: concealing one’s identity can be righteous when done to fulfill a vow and protect others, while maintaining readiness and competence to act decisively when duty calls.
The disguised warriors—elite chariot-fighters—mount gold-adorned chariots and ride swiftly together, following King Virāṭa, indicating coordinated action in response to an impending conflict.