Shloka 20
Droṇa–Dhṛṣṭadyumna-yuddha (द्रोण-धृष्टद्युम्न-युद्धम्) — Tactical duel and allied interventions
तौ वीक्ष्य तु महात्मानौ कृतिनौ चित्रयोधिनौ
tau vīkṣya tu mahātmānau kṛtinau citrayodhinau
Sañjaya sprach: Als man jene beiden hochherzigen Männer erblickte—vollendet in ihrer Kunst und wundersam im Kampf—wandte sich das Bild des Schlachtfeldes ihrer Gegenwart und Tüchtigkeit zu und maß das sittliche Gewicht des kommenden Gefechts an der Größe der beteiligten Krieger.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores the ethical tension of war: even when combat is imminent, the narrative invites recognition of the opponents’ nobility and competence, reminding the listener that dharma in battle includes clear-sighted appraisal, restraint, and respect for worthy adversaries.
Sañjaya describes a moment of observation on the battlefield: attention is drawn to two eminent warriors—portrayed as great-souled and exceptionally skilled—whose presence signals the seriousness and grandeur of the conflict about to unfold.