Shloka 16
Adhyāya 152: Kaurava-sainyavibhāgaḥ
Division and Standardization of the Kaurava Host
विविधायुधपूर्णानि पताकाध्वजवन्ति च । समाश्ष तेषां पन्थान: क्रियन्तां नगराद् बहि:
vaśiṣṭha uvāca |
vividhāyudhapūrṇāni patākādhvajavanti ca |
samāśṣ teṣāṃ panthānaḥ kriyantāṃ nagarād bahiḥ ||
नानायुधसमाकीर्णानि पताका-ध्वजशोभितानि च तानि शिविराणि सदा सुसंनद्धानि भवन्तु। नगराद् बहिः तेषां प्रति गमनाय बहवः समा ऋजवः पन्थानः क्रियन्ताम्।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights practical dharma of governance in wartime: preparedness, clear organization, and orderly access routes. Ethical conduct in conflict includes minimizing chaos and ensuring disciplined arrangements rather than reckless violence.
In the Udyoga Parva’s war-preparation context, instructions are being given for setting up military camps—stocking them with arms, marking them with banners/standards, and constructing straight, level roads from outside the city to facilitate movement and coordination.