Shloka 41
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
रथांश्व बहुधा भग्नान् हेमकिड्किणिन: शुभान्
sañjaya uvāca | rathān aśvān bahudhā bhagnān hemakiṅkiṇinaḥ śubhān |
Wika ni Sañjaya: “Masdan—maraming mariringal na karwaheng pandigma, pinalamutian ng maliliit na kampanang ginto na kumakalansing, ang nadurog at nagkawatak-watak sa sari-saring paraan; at ang mga kabayong iba’t iba ang lahi ay nakahandusay, basang-basa sa dugo. Ang mga panghila at mga nakakabit na kasangkapan, ang mga bandila at sari-saring watawat, ay nagkalat sa lahat ng dako; ang malalaking puting kabibe ng mga mandirigma ay nakahambalang; at maraming elepanteng tila bundok, nakalawit ang dila, ay nakahiga na wari’y natutulog.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the stark impermanence of martial glory: splendid war-gear and mighty beings are reduced to ruin. Through Sañjaya’s witness, the epic invites reflection on the cost of violence and the fragility of worldly power.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the battlefield aftermath: chariots with golden bells are shattered, horses lie bloodied, military equipment and banners are strewn everywhere, conches are scattered, and huge elephants lie dead or dying, described as if asleep.