Shloka 12
Chapter 47: Krauñca-vyūha Deployment and Conch-Signals
Kaurava–Pāṇḍava Readiness
विमुच्य कवचं वीरो निक्षिप्य च वरायुधम् । अवरुह्ा रथात् क्षिप्रंं पद्भधयामेव कृतांजलि:,राजन! तदनन्तर वीर राजा युधिष्ठिरने समुद्रके समान उन दोनों सेनाओंको युद्धके लिये उपस्थित और चंचल हुई देख कवच खोलकर अपने उत्तम आयुधोंको नीचे डाल दिया और रथसे शीघ्र उतरकर वे पैदल ही हाथ जोड़े पितामह भीष्मको लक्ष्य करके चल दिये। धर्मराज युधिष्छिर मौन एवं पूर्वाभिमुख हो शत्रुसेनाकी ओर चले गये
sañjaya uvāca |
vimucya kavacaṁ vīro nikṣipya ca varāyudham |
avaruhya rathāt kṣipraṁ padbhyām eva kṛtāñjaliḥ rājann |
Sañjaya said: “O King, the hero, having unfastened his armor and laid down his excellent weapons, quickly descended from his chariot. With palms joined in reverence, he proceeded on foot.” The act signals a deliberate shift from combat posture to humility and dharmic propriety—seeking rightful conduct and blessing before the violence of battle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in unavoidable conflict, dharma requires restraint and reverence: setting aside weapons and approaching with folded hands symbolizes humility, respect for elders/teachers, and the ethical framing of war as duty rather than hatred.
Sañjaya describes a warrior who removes armor, puts down weapons, descends from the chariot, and walks forward with joined palms—indicating a respectful approach (commonly understood in this context as Yudhiṣṭhira going to seek blessings from elders like Bhīṣma) before the battle proceeds.