Shloka 26
अलम्बुस-वधः
The Neutralization of Alambusa
मुक्ताभरणवेषस्य कौन्तेयस्य महात्मन: । रूपमासीन्महाराज द्विषतां शोकवर्धनम्,महाराज! मुक्तामय आभूषणोंसे विभूषित वेशवाले महात्मा कुन्तीनन्दनका स्वरूप उस समय शत्रुओंका शोक बढ़ा रहा था
muktābharaṇaveṣasya kaunteyasya mahātmanaḥ | rūpam āsīn mahārāja dviṣatāṃ śokavardhanam ||
Sañjaya said: “O King, the appearance of that great-souled son of Kuntī—adorned in a dress and ornaments of pearls—was, at that time, a cause that increased the grief of his enemies.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how inner greatness (mahātman) expressed through confident, dignified bearing can affect the moral and psychological balance in war—strengthening allies and unsettling opponents—showing that victory is influenced not only by weapons but also by presence and resolve.
Sañjaya describes to King Dhṛtarāṣṭra the striking appearance of the Kaunteya on the battlefield, dressed and adorned with pearl ornaments; this sight is said to intensify the sorrow and foreboding of the opposing warriors.