Shloka 2
भीमसेन–कर्णयुद्धवर्णनम्
Description of the Bhīmasena–Karṇa Engagement
सुवर्णचित्रैवैयाप्रै: स्वनवद्धिर्महारथै: । दीपयन्तो दिश: सर्वा ज्वलद्धिरिव पावकै:,वे कौरव-सैनिक व्याप्रचर्मसे आच्छादित सुवर्णजटित और गम्भीर घोष करनेवाले प्रज्वलित अग्निके समान तेजस्वी विशाल रथोंद्वारा सम्पूर्ण दिशाओंको प्रकाशित कर रहे थे
sañjaya uvāca | suvarṇacitrair vaiyāpryaiḥ svanavaddhir mahārathaiḥ | dīpayanto diśaḥ sarvā jvaladdhir iva pāvakaiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: The Kaurava warriors, mounted on great chariots—adorned with golden designs, swift in movement, and resonant with loud, deep sounds—seemed like blazing fires, illuminating all the directions. The scene heightens the moral tension of the war: outward splendor and martial power surge forward, even as the conflict’s inner burden of adharma and destruction looms behind the spectacle.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores how war’s outward brilliance—gold, speed, thunderous sound—can appear awe-inspiring, yet it also hints at the consuming nature of violence, likened to fire. It invites reflection on the ethical contrast between dazzling power and the destructive consequences of conflict.
Sañjaya describes the Kaurava forces advancing with magnificent, gold-adorned chariots and mighty chariot-warriors. Their blazing appearance and roaring presence make it seem as though they light up all directions like flames.