Shloka 25
Arjuna–Bhīṣma Strategic Engagement and Mutual Arrow-Interdiction (भीष्मार्जुनसमागमः)
कुरुपाण्डवसेने ते हस्त्यश्वरथसंकुले । शुशुभाते रणे5तीव पटे चित्रार्पिते इव
kurupāṇḍavasene te hasty-aśva-ratha-saṅkule | śuśubhāte raṇe 'tīva paṭe citrārpite iva ||
Sañjaya berkata: Pasukan Kurus dan Pāṇḍavas itu, sesak dengan gajah, kuda dan kereta perang, tampak bersinar di medan laga—seperti gambar-gambar berwarna yang dilukis pada kain. Bait ini menonjolkan pemandangan perang yang memukau: keindahan dan tertib di luar, namun menyembunyikan beban moral kehancuran yang bakal menjelang.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts the visual splendor of martial formations with the ethical gravity of war: what appears beautiful and orderly can still be a setting for profound suffering and moral consequence.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that the Kuru and Pāṇḍava forces, packed with elephants, horses, and chariots, look dazzling on the battlefield—comparable to a richly painted scene on cloth.