Shloka 16
पाण्डवसेनानायकाभिषेकः तथा बलरामागमन-उपदेशः | Appointment of Pandava Commanders and Balarama’s Counsel
यथा रथास्तथा नागा बद्धकक्षा: स्वलंकृता: । बभूवु: सप्तपुरुषा रत्नवन्त इवाद्रय:
yathā rathās tathā nāgā baddhakakṣāḥ svalankṛtāḥ | babhūvuḥ saptapuruṣā ratnavanta ivādrayaḥ ||
यथा रथास्तथा नागा बद्धकक्षाः स्वलङ्कृताः । बभूवुः सप्तपुरुषा रत्नवन्त इवाद्रयः ॥ रथवत् एव ते गजाः हेममालाभिरलङ्कृताः, बद्धकक्षाः सुदृढं नियोजिताः; प्रत्येकं तेषु सप्त पुरुषाः उपविष्टाः, येन ते रत्नमयपर्वतप्रख्याः बभूवुः।
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse primarily conveys the epic’s attention to order, discipline, and preparedness: power (elephants, chariots) is not merely displayed but carefully secured and organized. The jewel-mountain simile underscores how martial grandeur can appear awe-inspiring, reminding readers that war is preceded by deliberate human arrangement and intent.
The narrator describes the mustering and outfitting of forces: chariots are decorated, elephants are similarly adorned and tightly harnessed, and each elephant carries seven men. The scene emphasizes the scale and magnificence of the army’s preparations.