Shloka 12

त्रिगर्त-मात्स्य-संग्रामः

The Trigarta–Matsya Engagement at Twilight

Devanagari script

सर्वपारसवं वर्म कल्याणपटलं दृढम्‌

Transliteration

sarvapārasavaṃ varma kalyāṇapaṭalaṃ dṛḍham

Translation

വൈശമ്പായനൻ പറഞ്ഞു—“ആ കവചം മുഴുവനായും ഉത്തമമായി ശുദ്ധീകരിച്ച ലോഹത്തിൽ നിന്നുണ്ടാക്കിയതായിരുന്നു; അതിന്റെ പണിത്തരം മംഗളകരവും ഘടന ദൃഢവുമായിരുന്നു.”

Word by Word

• सर्वपारसवम्: made wholly of iron
• सर्वपारसवम्: Karma
• Type: Adjective
• Root: सर्वपारसव
• Form: Neuter, Accusative, Singular

• वर्म: armor, cuirass
• वर्म: Karma
• Type: Noun
• Root: वर्मन्
• Form: Neuter, Accusative, Singular

• कल्याणपटलम्: having an auspicious/beautiful covering (layered coat)
• कल्याणपटलम्: Karma
• Type: Adjective
• Root: कल्याणपटल
• Form: Neuter, Accusative, Singular

• दृढम्: firm, strong
• दृढम्: Karma
• Type: Adjective
• Root: दृढ
• Form: Neuter, Accusative, Singular

Speaker

वैशम्पायन उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Vaiśampāyana
• varma (armor)

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

The verse highlights the ethical ideal of prudent preparation: protection and strength should be grounded in sound workmanship and auspicious intent, not mere aggression—readiness serves dharma by safeguarding life and duty.

What is happening in the narrative?

In Vaiśampāyana’s narration, a strong, well-made suit of armor is described, emphasizing its superior material and layered, firm construction as part of martial readiness in the Virāṭa Parva context.