Shloka 83
अलंबलवधः (Alaṃbala-vadhaḥ) / The Slaying of Alaṃbala and the Advance toward Karṇa
अश्वैर्वातजवैर्युक्ते हेमभाण्डपरिच्छदै: । सैन्धवैरिन्दुसंकाशै: सर्वशब्दातिगैर्दढै:,उस रथमें सुवर्णमय आभूषणोंसे विभूषित, वायुके समान वेगशाली, सम्पूर्ण शब्दोंको लाँघ जानेवाले, सुदृढ़ तथा चन्द्रमाके समान श्वेतवर्ण सिन्धी घोड़े जुते हुए थे
aśvair vātajavair yukte hemabhāṇḍaparicchadaiḥ | saindhavair indu-saṅkāśaiḥ sarvaśabdātigair dṛḍhaiḥ ||
Sañjaya said: That chariot was yoked with Sindhu-bred horses—moon-white in color—adorned with golden trappings, swift as the wind, so powerful that they seemed to outstrip every sound, and firm and unyielding. The description heightens the war’s intensity by portraying martial excellence and disciplined force as instruments in a righteous yet devastating conflict.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse does not state a direct moral injunction; its ethical force lies in showing how immense resources, discipline, and speed are harnessed for warfare. It implicitly invites reflection on the responsible use of power and the tragic grandeur of conflict even when framed within dharma-yuddha.
Sañjaya is vividly describing a particular chariot and its team: Sindhu-bred, moon-white horses with golden trappings, wind-like speed, and great strength. The imagery intensifies the scene and signals the formidable presence of the warrior associated with that chariot.