Shloka 4763
Adhyāya 18 — Sequential Duels and Formation Pressure
Ulūka–Yuyutsu; Śakuni–Sutasoma; Kṛpa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna; Kṛtavarmā–Śikhaṇḍin
अश्वास्तरपरिस्तोमान् राड़कवान् पतितान् भुवि । 'घुड़सवारोंकी ध्वजाओंके अग्रभागमें हाथियोंके सुनहरे कंबल उलझ गये हैं। घोड़ोंकी पीठपर बिछाये जानेवाले विचित्र
sañjaya uvāca |
aśvāstara-paristomān rāḍakavān patitān bhuvi |
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: “Masdan—sa lupa ay nakahandusay ang mararangyang kasangkapan ng mga kabayo at mula, ang magagarang takip at palamuting minsang nagbigay sa kanila ng dangal. Sa kaguluhan ng labanan, ang mapagmataas na mga watawat at mamahaling mga sapin at palamuti ay nagkabuhol-buhol at naihagis sa lupa, na nagpapakita kung gaano kabilis gumuho ang karangyaan ng digmaan tungo sa pagkawasak kapag nanaig ang karahasan sa kaayusan.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the fragility of worldly splendor: even the most ornate signs of power—banners, caparisons, and costly gear—are reduced to debris on the battlefield, reminding the listener that pride and display cannot withstand the consequences of violence and fate.
Sañjaya is reporting to Dhṛtarāṣṭra the दृश्य of the battlefield: animal coverings and rich trappings (for horses and related mounts) have fallen to the ground amid the fighting, conveying the scale of disorder and devastation.