Shloka 5
Ritual Acclamation at Hastināpura and Karṇa’s Vow Concerning Arjuna (राजकीय स्तुति-प्रसङ्गः कर्णप्रतिज्ञा च)
युगमीषां वरूथं च तथैव ध्वजसारथी । अश्वांस्त्रिवेणुं तल्पं च तिलशो व्यधमउछ्छरै:,और उसके युग, ईषादण्ड, वरूथ, ध्वजा, सारथि, घोड़ों, तीन वेणुदण्डवाले छत्र और तल्प (बैठनेके स्थान)-को बाणोंद्वारा तिल-तिल करके काट डाला
yugam īṣāṁ varūthaṁ ca tathaiva dhvaja-sārathī | aśvāṁs triveṇuṁ talpaṁ ca tilaśo vyadham ucchraiḥ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: With swift, piercing arrows he cut to pieces—bit by bit—the chariot’s yoke and pole, its protective frame, the banner and the charioteer, the horses, the triple-bamboo parasol, and even the seat. The scene underscores the ruthless precision of martial skill: in war, mastery can dismantle not only weapons but also the very supports—symbols of status and command—that uphold an opponent’s power.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how power in battle rests on supports—equipment, symbols, and coordination (banner, charioteer, horses). Ethical reflection arises from seeing that skill can swiftly strip an opponent of these supports; therefore, martial prowess should be governed by dharma, restraint, and right purpose rather than mere domination.
A warrior (implied by context) uses arrows to systematically destroy an opponent’s chariot-system—yoke, pole, protective frame, banner, charioteer, horses, parasol, and seat—reducing them ‘piece by piece’ and effectively disabling the enemy’s mobility and command.