Shloka 58
Adhyāya 65: Dawn Assembly, Makara–Śyena Vyūhas, and Commander Engagements
तं हि वीरं महेष्वासं सौभद्रप्रमुखा रथा: । पर्यरक्षन्त युध्यन्तं वजायुधमिवामरा:
taṃ hi vīraṃ maheṣvāsaṃ saubhadrapramukhā rathāḥ | paryarakṣanta yudhyantaṃ vajāyudham ivāmarāḥ ||
قال سَنجايا: كما يحرس الخالدون إندرا حاملَ الصاعقة، كذلك أحاط فرسانُ المركبات، يتقدّمهم ساوبهادرا، بذلك البطلِ الرامي العظيم وحموه من كل جانب وهو يقاتل.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ethic of collective duty: true valor includes protecting a comrade who is actively engaged in battle, just as the gods uphold Indra. Courage is shown not only in attacking but also in steadfast guardianship and solidarity.
Sañjaya describes how the chariot-warriors led by Saubhadra (Abhimanyu) formed a protective ring around a heroic great archer while he fought, likening their defense to the gods guarding Indra, the thunderbolt-wielder.