Shloka 246
रणभूमिवर्णनम् — Devāsuropama-yuddha and the ‘River’ Metaphor of the Battlefield
मद्रकै: सहितो वीरै: कर्णपुत्रैश्न दुर्जयै: प्रस्थानकालमें कवचधारी मद्रराज शल्य उस सैन्यव्यूहके मुखस्थानमें थे। उनके साथ मद्रदेशीय वीर तथा कर्णके दुर्जय पुत्र भी थे
sañjaya uvāca | madrakaiḥ sahito vīraiḥ karṇaputraiś ca durjayaiḥ | prasthānakāle kavacadhārī madrarājaḥ śalyaḥ sa sainyavyūhasya mukhasthāne 'bhavat |
サञ्जयは言った。「進軍の時、甲冑をまとったマドラ王シャリヤは軍陣の最前に立っていた。彼と共にいたのはマドラ国の勇士たち、そして討ち難きカルナの子らであった。」
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The passage highlights the ethical burden of martial leadership: those who command or are famed for valor are placed at the forefront, accepting the first risk and thereby embodying the kṣatriya ideal of responsibility and courage amid the tragic necessity of war.
Sañjaya describes the Kaurava-side battle arrangement as they set out: Śalya, armored, takes the vanguard of the formation, accompanied by Madra warriors and Karṇa’s formidable sons, indicating a strong front line prepared for immediate engagement.