Shloka 10
Śalya–Yudhiṣṭhira Duel and the Discharge of the Śakti (शल्यवधप्रसङ्गः)
व्यदृश्यत तदा शल्यो युधिष्ठिरसमीपत: । रणे चन्द्रमसो< भ्याशे शनैश्षर इव ग्रह:,उस समय शल्य युधिष्ठिरके समीप रणभूमिमें ऐसे दिखायी दे रहे थे, मानो चन्द्रमाके समीप शनैश्वर नामक ग्रह हो
vyadṛśyata tadā śalyo yudhiṣṭhira-samīpataḥ | raṇe candramaso 'bhyāśe śanaiścara iva grahaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Then Śalya was seen close to Yudhiṣṭhira on the battlefield—like the planet Śanaiścara (Saturn) drawing near the moon. The image suggests an ominous, obstructive presence approaching what is luminous and steady, heightening the moral tension of the war as a formidable adversary closes in on the righteous king.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses a cosmic simile to convey ethical atmosphere: when a powerful, potentially harmful force approaches a righteous center, the situation becomes charged with foreboding. It highlights how dharmic leadership is tested not only by weapons but by the shadow of adversity and the ominous pressure of formidable opponents.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Śalya has come into close proximity with Yudhiṣṭhira in the thick of battle. The comparison to Saturn nearing the moon emphasizes Śalya’s looming presence and the heightened danger as the confrontation draws near.