मुद्गलोपाख्यानम् — व्रीहिद्रोणदानं, दुर्वाससः परीक्षा, स्वर्गगुणप्रश्नः
Mudgala Episode: Rice-measure Charity, Durvāsas’ Test, Inquiry on Heaven
चत्वार: पाण्डवा वीरा गन्धर्वाश्षन सहस्रश: । रणे संन्यपतन् राज॑स्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्,राजन! वीर पाण्डव केवल चार थे, परंतु उस रणभूमिमें हजारों गन्धर्व उनपर एक साथ टूट पड़े थे। यह एक अद्भुत-सी बात थी
catvāraḥ pāṇḍavā vīrā gandharvāś ca sahasraśaḥ | raṇe saṃnyapatan rājan tad adbhutam ivābhavat ||
Vaiśampāyana sprach: „O König, die vier heldenhaften Pāṇḍavas waren nur zu viert; doch auf dem Schlachtfeld stürzten Gandharvas zu Tausenden zugleich auf sie los. Es war ein wundersames, staunenswertes Bild.“
वैशम्पायन उवाच
The verse highlights the contrast between numerical strength and true valor: even when outnumbered, steadfast courage and disciplined resolve can make a situation appear extraordinary. It also frames the encounter as ‘adbhuta’—inviting reflection on how dharma-driven heroes face overwhelming odds without losing composure.
Vaiśampāyana describes a battlefield moment where only four Pāṇḍava warriors stand against thousands of Gandharvas who charge them together, creating an astonishing spectacle for the listener (the King).