अध्याय २६ — शल्यस्य सारथ्य-नियोजनं, कर्णस्य प्रस्थानं, उत्पातदर्शनं च
Chapter 26: Śalya appointed as charioteer; Karṇa’s departure; portents
शरीराणि व्यदृश्यन्त निहतानां महीतले । वहाँ मारे गये राजाओंके सुन्दर हारोंसे सुशोभित, उत्तम वस्त्रोंसे सम्पन्न तथा चन्दनसे चर्चित शरीर पृथ्वीपर पड़े देखे जाते थे
śarīrāṇi vyadṛśyanta nihatānāṁ mahītale |
Sañjaya said: On the surface of the earth were seen the bodies of the slain—fallen on the battlefield, their forms still adorned with fine garlands and ornaments, clothed in excellent garments, and anointed with sandalwood paste. The sight underscores the tragic irony of war: royal splendor and worldly refinement cannot shield anyone from death, and the field of dharma becomes a stark witness to the impermanence of power and pride.
संजय उवाच