अध्याय २६ — शल्यस्य सारथ्य-नियोजनं, कर्णस्य प्रस्थानं, उत्पातदर्शनं च
Chapter 26: Śalya appointed as charioteer; Karṇa’s departure; portents
सुसत्रग्वीणि सुवासांसि चन्दनेनोक्षितानि च
susatragvīṇi suvāsāṃsi candanenokṣitāni ca
ಸಂಜಯನು ಹೇಳಿದನು— (ಅವರು) ಉತ್ತಮ ಹಾರಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠ ವಸ್ತ್ರಗಳನ್ನು ತಂದರು; ಅವು ಚಂದನದಿಂದ ಸುಗಂಧಿತವಾಗಿದ್ದವು।
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights how external honors—garlands, fine clothes, sandalwood—function as markers of respect and auspicious reception. In the Mahābhārata’s war setting, such ceremonial gestures can underscore the tension between outward splendor and the inward ethical crisis of conflict.
Sañjaya, narrating events to Dhṛtarāṣṭra, describes the presentation or presence of ceremonial items—garlands and garments perfumed/anointed with sandalwood—suggesting a formal honoring, reception, or preparation connected to the unfolding war episode in Karṇa Parva.