Shloka 25
Omens in the Kuru Host and Droṇa’s Recognition of Arjuna (क्लीबवेषधारी पार्थ-परिज्ञानम्)
सतु दृष्टवा विमुहार॒न्तं स्वयमेवोत्तरस्तत: । कवचेन महाहेण समनहाद् बृहन्नलाम्,बृहत्नलाको (कवच धारणके समय) भूल करती देख राजकुमार उत्तरने स्वयं ही उसे बहुमूल्य कवच धारण कराया
sa tu dṛṣṭvā vimūḍhāntaṃ svayam evottaras tataḥ | kavacena mahārheṇa samanahād bṛhannalām ||
Vaiśampāyana berkata: Melihat Bṛhannalā kebingungan dan tersilap ketika mengenakan zirah, Putera Uttara sendiri lalu memakaikan kepadanya baju rantai yang amat bernilai. Peristiwa ini menegaskan betapa mendesaknya persiapan yang tepat sebelum bahaya, serta kewajipan seorang kṣatriya memastikan kesiapsiagaan untuk perang, walaupun orang yang dipersenjatai tampak tidak layak atau ragu-ragu pada zahirnya.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even when confusion or incompetence appears, dharma in a crisis demands practical responsibility: ensuring proper readiness and protection. Uttara’s act highlights leadership through action—securing the necessary means (armor) for the task at hand.
As the battle situation approaches, Bṛhannalā (Arjuna in disguise) appears bewildered while handling the equipment. Seeing this, Prince Uttara personally helps by fitting her with a very valuable coat of mail.