Shloka 44
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
वैजयन्तीर्विचित्राश्न॒ हतांक्ष गजयोधिन: । वारणानां परिस्तोमान् संयुक्तानेककम्बलान्
vaijayantīr vicitrāś ca hatāṁś ca gajayodhinaḥ | vāraṇānāṁ paristomān saṁyuktānekakambalān ||
Wika ni Sañjaya: “Narito ang maraming makukulay na bandilang vaijayantī na nakahandusay; narito ang mga mandirigmang sakay ng elepante na napatay at bumagsak; at narito ang mga palamuti at mga pantakip ng elepante—patong-patong na maraming kumot—na nagkalat. Masdan ang mga palatandaang ito ng larangan ng digmaan.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the stark aftermath of war: symbols of victory (banners) lie fallen alongside dead warriors and scattered equipment, reminding the listener of the fragility of glory and the heavy human cost of violence.
Sañjaya describes to the listener the battlefield scene—fallen victory-flags, slain elephant-riders, and the elephants’ trappings and blankets strewn about—inviting attention to the devastation visible on the field.