Shloka 58
Adhyāya 65: Dawn Assembly, Makara–Śyena Vyūhas, and Commander Engagements
तं हि वीरं महेष्वासं सौभद्रप्रमुखा रथा: । पर्यरक्षन्त युध्यन्तं वजायुधमिवामरा:,जैसे देवता वज्रधारी इन्द्रकी रक्षा करते हैं, उसी प्रकार सुभद्राकुमार आदि पाण्डव योद्धा युद्धमें तत्पर हुए महाधनुर्धर वीर भीमसेनकी सब ओरसे रक्षा करते थे
taṃ hi vīraṃ maheṣvāsaṃ saubhadrapramukhā rathāḥ | paryarakṣanta yudhyantaṃ vajāyudham ivāmarāḥ ||
Sañjaya sprach: Wie die Unsterblichen Indra, den Träger des Donnerkeils, behüten, so umringten und schützten die Wagenkämpfer unter Führung Saubhadras jenen Helden, den großen Bogenschützen, während er kämpfte.
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.