Shloka 12
Chapter 47: Krauñca-vyūha Deployment and Conch-Signals
Kaurava–Pāṇḍava Readiness
विमुच्य कवचं वीरो निक्षिप्य च वरायुधम् । अवरुह्ा रथात् क्षिप्रंं पद्भधयामेव कृतांजलि:
sañjaya uvāca |
vimucya kavacaṁ vīro nikṣipya ca varāyudham |
avaruhya rathāt kṣipraṁ padbhyām eva kṛtāñjaliḥ rājann |
サンジャヤは言った――「王よ、その勇者は鎧を解き、優れた武器を置き、急ぎ戦車を降りた。合掌して敬意を示し、徒歩で進んだ。」この行いは、戦闘の構えから謙譲とダルマにかなう作法へと、意図して身を転じたことを示す――戦の暴力に踏み込む前に、正しい行いと祝福を求めたのである。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in unavoidable conflict, dharma requires restraint and reverence: setting aside weapons and approaching with folded hands symbolizes humility, respect for elders/teachers, and the ethical framing of war as duty rather than hatred.
Sañjaya describes a warrior who removes armor, puts down weapons, descends from the chariot, and walks forward with joined palms—indicating a respectful approach (commonly understood in this context as Yudhiṣṭhira going to seek blessings from elders like Bhīṣma) before the battle proceeds.