Shloka 11
Śalya’s Consecration as Senāpati and Kṛṣṇa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira (शल्यस्य सेनापत्यभिषेकः)
कान्तिरूपमुखैश्वर्यस्त्रिभिश्वन्द्रमसा समम् । काजञज्चनोपलसंघातै: सदृशं श्लिष्टसंधिकम्
kāntirūpamukhaiśvaryas tribhiś candramasā samam | kāñcanopalasaṅghātaiḥ sadṛśaṃ śliṣṭasandhikam ||
Sinabi ni Sañjaya: “Sa ningning, ganda, at karangalan, ito’y tulad ng buwan sa tatlong anyo nito. Ang pagkakayari nito, na ang mga dugtungan ay siksik at mahigpit ang pagkakabagay, ay kahawig ng isang buo at siksik na tipon ng ginto at mahahalagang bato.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how outward splendour—radiance, beauty, and royal majesty—can be portrayed as almost celestial; in the Mahābhārata’s war context, such imagery often underscores the contrast between dazzling appearances and the grim ethical stakes of battle.
Sañjaya is describing an object of striking brilliance and fine construction, comparing it to the moon and to a compact assemblage of gold and gems, emphasizing its lustre and tightly fitted workmanship.