Shloka 27
Rukmī’s Offer of Aid and Arjuna’s Refusal (रुक्मिप्रस्तावः—अर्जुनप्रत्याख्यानम्)
ततो भेरीश्व॒ शड्खांश्व शतशो5थ सहस्रश: । वादयामासुरव्यग्रा वादका राजशासनात्,तदनन्तर बाजा बजानेवालोंने राजाकी आज्ञासे निर्भय होकर सैकड़ों और हजारों भेरियों तथा शंखोंको बजाया
tato bherīś ca śaṅkhāṃś ca śataśo 'tha sahasraśaḥ | vādayāmāsur avyagrā vādakā rājaśāsanāt ||
Então, por ordem do rei, os músicos—sem hesitar e sem temor—fizeram soar centenas e até milhares de tambores de guerra e conchas. Assim, a proclamação da autoridade real tornou-se audível a todos, assinalando um momento público decisivo e o ímpeto crescente rumo ao conflito vindouro.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the force of legitimate authority in public life: a king’s command can mobilize society swiftly, and the composed obedience of officials and performers reflects ordered governance—an aspect of rājadharma—even as events move toward war.
After a key development, musicians, acting on the king’s order, loudly sound vast numbers of drums and conches. This functions as a public signal—an announcement and rallying call—marking heightened readiness and the escalation of the political-military situation.