Shloka 23
Vāraṇāvata-praveśa and Jatugṛha-saṃdeha
Entry into Vāraṇāvata and Suspicion of the Lac-House
ततो बद्धाड्गुलित्राणा बद्धकक्षा महारथा: । बद्धतूणा: सधनुषो विविशुर्भरतर्षभा:,उसके बाद भरतवंशियोंमें श्रेष्ठ वे वीर राजकुमार बड़े-बड़े रथोंके साथ दस्ताने पहने, कमर कसे, पीठपर तूणीर बाँधे और धनुष लिये हुए उस रंगमण्डपके भीतर आये
tato baddhāṅgulitrāṇā baddhakakṣā mahārathāḥ | baddhatūṇāḥ sadhanūṣo viviśur bharatarṣabhāḥ ||
Então aqueles descendentes de Bharata, fortes como touros —grandes guerreiros em carros poderosos— entraram no pavilhão da arena, com as proteções dos dedos presas, a cintura bem cingida, as aljavas às costas e os arcos nas mãos.
धृतराष्ट उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined preparedness and adherence to martial protocol: strength is framed through training, equipment, and orderly conduct in a regulated public setting—an aspect of kṣatriya-dharma where power is meant to be exercised with restraint and responsibility.
Dhṛtarāṣṭra describes the royal warriors entering the arena pavilion for a formal display or contest, fully equipped—finger-guards on, waists girded, quivers strapped, bows in hand—arriving in their chariots as elite fighters.