खरस्य सैन्योद्योगः
Khara Mobilizes the Janasthana Host
तं मेरुशिखराकारं तप्तकाञ्चनभूषणम्।हेमचक्रमसम्बाधं वैदूर्यमयकूबरम्।।3.22.14।।मत्स्यैः पुष्पैर्द्रुमैश्शैलैश्चन्द्रसूर्यैश्च काञ्चनैः।मङ्गलैः पक्षिसङ्घैश्च ताराभिरभिसंवृतम्।।3.22.15।।ध्वजनिस्त्रिंशसम्पन्नं किङ्किणीकविराजितम्।सदश्वयुक्तं सोऽमर्षादारुरोह खरो रथम्।।3.22.16।।
taṃ meruśikharākāraṃ taptakāñcanabhūṣaṇam |
hemacakram asambādhaṃ vaidūryamayakūbaram || 3.22.14 ||
その戦車はメル山の峰のごとくそびえ、精金の飾りに彩られていた。金の車輪を備え、堅牢に組まれ、轅(ながえ)はヴァイドゥーリヤ宝石で作られ、象嵌されていた。
Then the impatient Khara mounted the chariot that looked like the peak of mount Meru. It was decorated with pure gold, had golden wheels, poles studded with vaidurya. The carriage of the chariot was engraved with golden figures of fishes, flowers, trees, the Sun, stars, flocks of auspicious birds, flags and swords. Shining with small bells, it was yoked to fine horses.
Splendor and wealth (gold, gems) are depicted as external; dharma evaluates intention and conduct, not ornamentation—an implicit reminder that grandeur cannot sanctify an unjust purpose.
The narrative dwells on the extraordinary chariot prepared for Khara, emphasizing its magnificence before the march.
Not a moral virtue but a narrative contrast: worldly magnificence is highlighted to set against the impending unethical aggression.