Shloka 9
अनीकव्यूहप्रतिव्यूहः
Counter-deployment of Divisions and the Opening Tumult
सहस्सूर्य: शतकिड्किणीक:ः परार्द्धवजाम्बूनदहेमचित्र: । रथोड<र्जुनस्याग्निरिवार्चिमाली विशभ्राजते श्वेतहय: सुचक्र:,अर्जुनका रथ ज्वालमालाओंसे युक्त अग्निके समान शोभा पा रहा था। उसमें सूर्यकी आकृतिके सहसौरों चक्र विद्यमान थे। सैकड़ों क्षुद्र घंटिकाएँ लगी थीं। बहुमूल्य जाम्बूनद नामक सुवर्णसे भूषित होनेके कारण उस रथकी विचित्र शोभा हो रही थी। उसमें श्वेत रंगके घोड़े और सुन्दर पहिये लगे थे
saḥ sahasra-sūryaḥ śata-kiṅkiṇīkaḥ parārdhya-vajra-jāmbūnada-hema-citraḥ | ratho 'rjunasya agnir ivārci-mālī viśa-bhrājate śveta-hayaḥ su-cakraḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Arjuna’s chariot blazed forth like a fire wreathed in flames. It shone with the splendor of a thousand suns, was hung with hundreds of small bells, and was richly adorned with precious vajra-like ornaments and variegated Jāmbūnada gold. Drawn by white horses and fitted with beautiful wheels, it stood out brilliantly—an omen of formidable martial power on the eve of righteous battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse emphasizes how outward splendor in a dharmic war functions as a sign of preparedness and auspicious strength: the righteous side is portrayed as radiant, disciplined, and well-equipped, suggesting that ethical resolve (dharma) should be matched by capability and steadfastness in action.
Sañjaya is narrating to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the battlefield scene, describing Arjuna’s chariot in vivid, hyperbolic imagery—its blazing radiance, rich gold ornamentation, ringing bells, white horses, and fine wheels—highlighting Arjuna’s formidable presence as the armies prepare for combat.