Shloka 26
इन्द्रस्य पाण्डवैः समागमः
Indra’s Meeting with the Pāṇḍavas
ह्रेषयामासुरन्योन्यं हेषितैर्विजयावहै: । स तमास्थाय भगवान् राजराजो महारथम्
hreṣayāmāsur anyonyaṁ heṣitair vijayāvahaiḥ | sa tam āsthāya bhagavān rājarājo mahāratham ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana said: They urged one another on with triumphant neighs that promised victory. Then the divine King of kings mounted that great chariot-warrior, taking his place upon him as the action moved toward its fateful outcome.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the psychology of martial momentum: mutual encouragement and auspicious signals (victory-bringing neighs) strengthen resolve, while rightful leadership is marked by decisive readiness to take one’s place at the critical moment.
Amid a warlike mobilization, the horses (or chariot-team) neigh triumphantly and spur each other on; immediately after, the sovereign described as ‘the divine king of kings’ mounts and takes position with the great chariot-warrior, signaling the start of decisive action.