Shloka 29

Yuddha-yajña-vyākhyāna (The Battle as Sacrifice): Ambarīṣa–Indra Saṃvāda

Devanagari script

नीलचर्मावृतै: खड्गैर्बाहुभि: परिघोपमै:

Transliteration

nīlacarmāvṛtaiḥ khaḍgair bāhubhiḥ parighopamaiḥ

Translation

Inilarawan ni Ambarīṣa ang mga mandirigmang ang mga bisig ay tila pamalong bakal, humahawak ng mga tabak na nababalutan ng maitim na katad—larawang nagpapakita ng nakapanghihilakbot na kahandaang pandigma at puwersang nananakot, na maaaring sumama sa di-matuwid na paglusob o maging disiplinadong pag-iingat kapag nakaayon sa dharma.

Word by Word

• नीलचर्मावृतैः: covered with blue leather
• नीलचर्मावृतैः: Karana
• Type: Adjective
• Root: नीलचर्मावृत
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Plural

• खड्गैः: with swords
• खड्गैः: Karana
• Type: Noun
• Root: खड्ग
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Plural

• बाहुभिः: with arms
• बाहुभिः: Karana
• Type: Noun
• Root: बाहु
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Plural

• परिघोपमैः: like iron bars/clubs
• परिघोपमैः: Karana
• Type: Adjective
• Root: परिघोपम
• Form: Masculine, Instrumental, Plural

Speaker

अम्बरीष उवाच

Characters & Entities

• अम्बरीष (Ambarīṣa)
• खड्ग (sword)
• नीलचर्म (dark leather covering/sheath)
• परिघ (iron club)

Educational Q&A

What is the core teaching?

The verse uses vivid weapon-and-body imagery to underline the moral weight of power: strength and armament are fearsome in themselves, but their ethical value depends on whether they are exercised in protection of dharma or in intimidation and harm.

What is happening in the narrative?

Ambarīṣa is describing a scene of martial preparedness—men with club-like arms bearing swords wrapped in dark leather—highlighting the presence and menace of armed warriors within the broader Shānti Parva discussion on conduct, governance, and the proper use of force.