Shloka 21
स्त्रीपर्व — गान्धारीविलापः
Strī Parva — Gāndhārī’s Lament over the Fallen
शातकौम्या स्रजा भाति कवचेन च भास्वता । अग्निनेव गिरि: श्वेतो गतासुरपि दुःसह:,यद्यपि दुःसहके प्राण चले गये हैं तो भी वह सोनेकी माला और तेजस्वी कवचसे सुशोभित हो अग्नियुक्त श्वेत पर्वतके समान जान पड़ता है
śātakaumyā srajā bhāti kavacena ca bhāsvatā | agninā iva giriḥ śveto gatāsur api duḥsahaḥ ||
Vaiśaṃpāyana berkata: Walaupun nafas hayat Duḥsaha telah pergi, dia masih tampak gemilang—berkalungkan untaian emas dan bersarung baju zirah yang bercahaya—laksana gunung putih yang disuluh api.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the contrast between external splendor and the loss of life: war leaves behind impressive forms—armor, ornaments, heroic appearance—yet the essential reality is death. It invites reflection on impermanence and the cost of martial glory.
Vaiśaṃpāyana describes the fallen Duḥsaha on the battlefield. Though dead, he still looks magnificent due to his golden garland and shining armor, compared to a white mountain blazing with fire.