Mahabharata — Shalya Parva, Shloka 55
शल्यस्य पाण्डवसेनापीडनम् — Śalya’s Assault on the Pāṇḍava Host
with Omens and Bhīma’s Counter
तावका: समरे राजन् रक्षिता दृढ्धन्वना । प्रत्युद्ययुररातींस्तु समन््ताद् विगतव्यथा:
tāvakāḥ samare rājan rakṣitā dṛḍhadhanvanā | pratyudyayur arātīṁs tu samantād vigatavyathāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: O King, your warriors, protected in battle by the firm-bowed (king) Śalya, became free from distress and, from all sides, advanced to meet the enemy. The verse underscores how capable leadership and protection can restore morale in war, turning fear into coordinated resolve—an ethically charged reminder that courage in battle often depends on the shelter and responsibility provided by those in command.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of leadership in war: when a commander effectively protects and steadies his forces, fear and suffering subside, enabling disciplined action. It implies that courage is not merely individual bravado but is sustained by responsible guardianship and collective confidence.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that the Kaurava soldiers, reassured by Śalya’s protection and prowess, regain composure and surge forward from all directions to confront the opposing fighters.
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