Shloka 9
Śalya’s Consecration as Senāpati and Kṛṣṇa’s Counsel to Yudhiṣṭhira (शल्यस्य सेनापत्यभिषेकः)
स्थाणोर्वृषस्य सदृशं स्कन्धनेत्रगतिस्वरै: । पुष्टश्लिष्टायत भुजं सुविस्तीर्णवरोरसम्
sthāṇor vṛṣasya sadṛśaṃ skandha-netra-gati-svaraiḥ | puṣṭa-śliṣṭāyata-bhujaṃ suvistīrṇa-varorasaṃ
三阇耶说道：他宛如坚固的柱石，又如雄壮的公牛——肩、目、步态与声调，皆与那般威力相称。其臂膀强健、筋骨紧密而修长，胸膛宽阔而华美——一幅武勇充沛的形象，使战事推进的沉重更为加深。
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse uses epic similes (pillar, bull) to convey steadiness, power, and commanding presence—qualities prized in kṣatriya ideals. Ethically, it underscores how war magnifies human attributes: strength and confidence become narratively prominent, even as they serve a destructive conflict.
Sañjaya is describing a warrior’s imposing physical and behavioral traits—shoulders, eyes, gait, and voice—along with strong arms and a broad chest, to emphasize his formidable readiness and the heightened tension of the battlefield scene.