Shloka 72

अध्याय ६० — कर्णस्य पाञ्चाल-सोमक-निग्रहः

Karna’s Suppression of the Panchala–Somaka Forces

Devanagari script

महाभुजगसंकाशौ चन्दनागुरुरूषितौ

Transliteration

mahābhujagasaṅkāśau candanāgururūṣitau

Translation

महाभुजगसंकाशौ चन्दनागुरुरूषितौ॥

Word by Word

• महाभुजगसंकाशौ: two (ones) resembling great serpents
• महाभुजगसंकाशौ: Karta
• Type: Adjective
• Root: महाभुजग-संकाश
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Dual

• चन्दनागुरुरूषितौ: two (ones) anointed/smeared with sandal and agaru
• चन्दनागुरुरूषितौ: Karta
• Type: Adjective
• Root: चन्दन-अगुरु-रूषित
• Form: Masculine, Nominative, Dual

Speaker

संजय उवाच

Characters & Entities

• Sañjaya
• sandalwood (candana)
• agarwood (aguru)
• serpents (bhujaga)

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

The verse underscores how outward magnificence—fragrance, adornment, and heroic radiance—can accompany acts of war. It invites reflection on the contrast between sensory splendor and the grave ethical reality of battle, a recurring Mahābhārata tension between appearance, power, and the consequences of violence.

What is happening in the narrative?

Sañjaya is describing formidable figures (in dual number) whose presence is compared to great serpents, emphasizing their intimidating strength and sheen. The mention of sandalwood and agaru suggests they are richly anointed—either as part of royal/warrior preparation or as a poetic marker of exalted status amid the battlefield scene.