Shloka 2
भीष्म-द्रोणादिभिः पाण्डवसेनाक्षयकाल-निर्णयः | Time-estimates for the depletion of the Pāṇḍava forces
Bhīṣma–Droṇa council
आप्लाव्य शुचय: सर्वे स्रग्विण: शुक्लवासस: । गृहीतशस्त्रा ध्वजिन: स्वस्ति वाच्य हुताग्नय:
āplāvya śucayaḥ sarve sragviṇaḥ śuklavāsasaḥ | gṛhītaśastrā dhvajinaḥ svasti vācya hutāgnayaḥ ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Pagkatapos maligo at luminis, silang lahat ay nagsuot ng puting kasuotan at nagsabit ng mga kuwintas na bulaklak. Matapos ipabigkas sa mga brāhmaṇa ang mga pagpapala at maghandog ng mga alay sa banal na apoy, sila’y tumulak patungo sa larangan ng digmaan—nakataas ang mga watawat at tangan ang mga sandata.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores that major actions—especially violent ones—are framed within ritual order: purification, auspicious benedictions, and fire-offerings seek to align human intent with dharma and communal legitimacy, even as the narrative moves toward conflict.
A group prepares to depart for battle: they bathe, dress in white, wear garlands, arrange for brāhmaṇas to recite blessings, offer oblations into the fire, then march out with banners raised and weapons taken up.