Shloka 3
रणभूमिवर्णनम् — Devāsuropama-yuddha and the ‘River’ Metaphor of the Battlefield
अकल्प्यन्त च मातड्रा: समनहान्त पत्तय: । रथानास्तरणोपेतांश्षक्रुरन्ये सहस्रश:
akalpyanta ca mātaṅgāḥ samanahyanta pattayaḥ | rathān āstaraṇopetān śakrur anye sahasraśaḥ ||
Санджая сказал: Готовили боевых слонов, пешие воины затягивали доспехи, а тысячи других спешно снаряжали колесницы с покровами. Поняв замысел царя, всё войско торопливо занялось своим делом — и военная машина пришла в движение.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights disciplined responsiveness to leadership and the organized mobilization of a kṣatriya army. Ethically, it frames war as a collective, duty-bound enterprise in which each group performs its role once the ruler’s intention is understood—showing how intention (abhiprāya) translates into coordinated action.
Sañjaya describes the army rapidly preparing for battle: elephants are equipped, infantry put on armor, and thousands arrange chariots with coverings. The preparations begin as soon as the king’s plan is grasped, indicating imminent engagement.