Shloka 17
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
महार्हवर्माभरणा नानारूपाम्बरायुधा: । सरथा: सध्वजा वीरा हता: पार्थेन शेरते,अर्जुनद्वारा मारे गये संशप्तक वीर बहुमूल्य कवच, आभूषण, भाँति-भाँतिके वस्त्र, आयुध, रथ और ध्वजोंसहित रणभूमिमें सो रहे थे
mahārhavarmābharaṇā nānārūpāmbarāyudhāḥ | sarathāḥ sadhvajā vīrā hatāḥ pārthena śerate |
Sañjaya said: The valiant warriors—adorned with priceless armor and ornaments, equipped with weapons and garments of many kinds—lay on the battlefield, slain by Pārtha, their chariots and banners still with them. The scene underscores the stark moral weight of war: worldly splendor and martial pride are reduced to silence when dharma-driven combat reaches its fatal end.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical gravity and impermanence inherent in warfare: even those adorned with great wealth and martial insignia fall when confronted by decisive, duty-bound action. It implicitly contrasts external splendor with the ultimate vulnerability of embodied life in battle.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Arjuna (Pārtha) has slain a group of warriors; their bodies lie on the battlefield still associated with their chariots and banners, despite their costly armor, ornaments, varied garments, and weapons.