Shloka 6
विराटसभायां पाण्डवानां प्रवेशः — Arjuna’s Encomium of Yudhiṣṭhira in Virāṭa’s Court
ततः प्रभिन्नेन महागजेन महीधराभेन पुनर्विकर्ण: । रथैश्नतुर्भिर्गजपादरक्षै: कुन्तीसुतं जिष्णुमथा भ्यधावत्
tataḥ prabhinnena mahāgajena mahīdharābhena punar vikarṇaḥ | rathaiś caturbhir gajapāda-rakṣaiḥ kuntīsutaṁ jiṣṇum athābhyadhāvat ||
Sinabi ni Vaiśampāyana: Pagkaraan nito, si Vikarṇa, muling sumakay sa dambuhalang elepanteng tila bundok, na ang mga sentido’y umaagos sa rut, ay sumugod kay Arjuna—ang matagumpay na anak ni Kuntī na tinatawag na Jiṣṇu. Kasama niya ang apat na mandirigmang nasa karwahe, nakapuwesto bilang mga bantay upang ipagtanggol ang apat na paa ng elepante, na nagpapakita ng sinadyang disiplina at magkakaugnay na dahas ng digmaan kahit sa gitna ng personal na tunggalian.
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the organized, duty-bound nature of kṣatriya warfare: even a single charge is supported by coordinated protection (guards for the elephant’s feet). It implicitly contrasts disciplined martial conduct with mere reckless aggression.
Vikarṇa mounts a massive rutting elephant and charges at Arjuna (Jiṣṇu), accompanied by four chariot-warriors assigned to protect the elephant’s legs, indicating a planned assault formation.