Shloka 163
Droṇa’s Renewed Advance toward Yudhiṣṭhira; Fall of Satyajit and Allied Recoil (द्रोणस्य युधिष्ठिरप्रेप्सा—सत्यजितः पतनम्)
आस्थित: शुशुभे राजन्नंशुमानुदये यथा । राजन! उस व्यूहके मध्यभागमें विधिपूर्वक सजाये हुए हाथीपर आरूढ़ हो प्राग्ज्योतिषपुरके राजा भगदत्त उदयाचलपर प्रकाशित होनेवाले सूर्यदेवके समान सुशोभित हो रहे थे
āssthitaḥ śuśubhe rājann aṁśumān udaye yathā |
ಸಂಜಯನು ಹೇಳಿದನು—ರಾಜನ್, ಆ ವ್ಯೂಹದ ಮಧ್ಯಭಾಗದಲ್ಲಿ ವಿಧಿಪೂರ್ವಕವಾಗಿ ಅಲಂಕರಿಸಲ್ಪಟ್ಟ ಆನೆಯ ಮೇಲೆ ಆರೂಢನಾದ ಪ್ರಾಗ್ಜ್ಯೋತಿಷಪುರದ ರಾಜ ಭಗದತ್ತನು ಉದಯಾಚಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಉದಯಿಸುವ ಸೂರ್ಯನಂತೆ ಪ್ರಕಾಶಿಸಿ ಶೋಭಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದನು.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward brilliance—royal majesty, martial display, and commanding presence—can be captivating even in an ethically fraught setting like war. It invites reflection that splendor and power are morally neutral in themselves; their value depends on the ends they serve and the dharmic discernment guiding their use.
Sañjaya describes Bhagādattā, king of Prāgjyotiṣapura, positioned in the center of the battle formation. Mounted on a properly arrayed and decorated war-elephant, he appears radiant—compared to the sun at sunrise—emphasizing his prominence and intimidating presence on the battlefield.