
1
CHAPTER
VERSE
16
अनन्तविजयं राजा कुन्तीपुत्रो युधिष्ठिर: |
नकुल: सहदेवश्च सुघोषमणिपुष्पकौ || 1.16 ||
Anantavijayaṁ rājā kuntī-putro yudhiṣṭhiraḥ
Nakulaḥ sahadevaśca sughoṣamaṇipuṣpakau ||
King Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, who is always victorious, along with Nakula and Sahadeva, sounded their conches filled with jewels and gems.
Lesson:
Sanjaya describes the commencement of the battle at Kurukshetra. Here, King Yudhishthira, the eldest of the Pandavas and the son of Queen Kunti, is depicted as possessing the qualities of endless victory. Alongside him are his brothers Nakula and Sahadeva, who also participate in the war.
The verse highlights the symbolism of the conches blown by the Pandavas as a traditional practice before the commencement of a battle. Conches were significant in ancient warfare, serving as instruments to rally troops and announce the beginning of combat. Yudhishthira, Nakula, and Sahadeva, by sounding their conches, signify their readiness and determination to engage in the impending conflict.
Furthermore, the mention of their conches being adorned with jewels and gems adds to the grandeur of the scene, depicting the opulence and royal status of the Pandavas. The conches, embellished with precious stones, symbolize not only the wealth and prosperity of the Pandavas but also their readiness to confront the adversities of battle with courage and valor. Overall, this verse sets the stage for the ensuing battle, emphasizing the valor and preparedness of the Pandavas as they stand ready to confront their kinsmen on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.