Shloka 19
आर्षभे चर्मणी चित्रे शतचन्द्रपुरस्कृते । तारकाशतचित्रे च निस्त्रिंशी सुमहाप्रभौ,उनके हाथोंमें सौ-सौ चन्द्र और तारकाके चिह्ढोंसे युक्त ऋषभके चर्मकी बनी हुई ढालें और चमकीले खड्ग शोभा पाते थे
sañjaya uvāca | ārṣabhe carmaṇī citre śatacandrapuraskṛte | tārakāśatacitre ca nistriṁśī sumahāprabhau ||
Sañjaya berkata: Perisai mereka yang gemilang, diperbuat daripada kulit lembu jantan, dihias mewah—di bahagian hadapan terpasang seratus lambang bulan dan dipenuhi corak seratus tanda bintang; sementara pedang mereka yang berkilau memancarkan sinar yang besar.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya world of duty and readiness: outward splendor of arms reflects disciplined preparation for a grave, consequential conflict, reminding the listener that war is undertaken with full awareness of its weight and responsibility.
Sanjaya is describing the warriors’ equipment on the battlefield—ornate bull-hide shields marked with moon and star emblems, and brilliantly shining swords—intensifying the visual grandeur and tension before combat.