Shloka 31
Bhīmasena’s Kalinga Engagement and the Approach of Bhīṣma (भीमसेन-कालिङ्ग-संग्रामः)
द्वीपिचर्मावनद्धैश्व व्याप्रचर्मच्छदैरपि
dvīpicarmāvanaddhaiś ca vyāghracarmacchadair api
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: “Nakabalot din sila sa balat ng leopardo, at gayundin ay may mga balabal na yari sa balat ng tigre.” Ipinahihiwatig ng taludtod ang mabangis na anyong mandirigma, wari’y may anyong asetiko—ginagawang sagisag ng lakas at pananakot ang mga balat ng hayop sa harap ng mabigat na pananagutang moral ng nalalapit na digmaan.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse is primarily descriptive rather than doctrinal: it highlights how outward signs—like wearing leopard and tiger skins—are used to project ferocity and resolve in war, reminding readers that the battlefield is shaped not only by weapons but also by psychological and symbolic displays.
Sañjaya continues his report of the armies’ appearance and equipment, noting that some fighters are covered with leopard-skins and tiger-skin mantles, emphasizing the formidable, fear-inducing look of the assembled warriors.