Udyoga Parva, Adhyāya 55 — Sañjaya’s Report on Pāṇḍava Readiness and Arjuna’s Dhvaja
तथा राज्ञो दन्तवर्णा बृहन्तो रथे युक्ता भान्ति ठद्दीर्यतुल्या: । ऋक्षप्रख्या भीमसेनस्य वाहा रथे वायोस्तुल्यवेगा बभूवु:
tathā rājño dantavarṇā bṛhanto rathe yuktā bhānti taddhīryatulyaḥ | ṛkṣaprakhyā bhīmasenasya vāhā rathe vāyostulyavegā babhūvuḥ ||
सञ्जय उवाच— तथा राज्ञो दन्तवर्णा बृहन्तो रथे युक्ता भान्ति सुदीर्घ्यतुल्याः। ऋक्षप्रख्या भीमसेनस्य वाहा रथे वायोस्तुल्यवेगा बभूवुः॥
संजय उवाच
The verse highlights disciplined strength: outward signs of power (splendid, swift steeds) are tied to inner steadiness (dhairya). In the Udyoga context, such readiness implies that entering war is not mere aggression but a grave, dharma-laden resolve requiring control, endurance, and responsibility.
Sañjaya is describing the chariots and horses of the Pāṇḍava leaders. He notes Yudhiṣṭhira’s large ivory-white horses shining in harness, and Bhīma’s bear-dark horses that, once yoked, race with wind-like speed—signaling mobilization and imminent confrontation.