Shloka 24
Adhyāya 31: Rājasūya-samāgama — The Gathering of Kings and the Ordering of Hospitality
ततो रथा हया नागा: पुरुषा: कवचानि च । प्रदीप्तानि व्यदृश्यन्त सहदेवबले तदा,उस समय सहदेवकी सेनामें रथ, घोड़े, हाथी, मनुष्य और कवच सभी आगसे जलते दिखायी देने लगे
tato rathā hayā nāgāḥ puruṣāḥ kavacāni ca | pradīptāni vyadṛśyanta sahadevabale tadā ||
Kemudian pada saat itu, dalam bala tentera Sahadeva, kereta perang, kuda, gajah, manusia, bahkan baju zirah pun kelihatan menyala-nyala.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the indiscriminate nature of destruction in conflict: not only living beings (men, horses, elephants) but also the very symbols of martial pride (chariots, armor) are consumed, reminding the listener of the fragility of power and the heavy cost of violence.
Vaiśampāyana describes a moment when Sahadeva’s forces are seen engulfed in flames—chariots, animals, soldiers, and armor all appearing to burn—signaling a sudden, intense calamity striking that contingent.