Shloka 101
Daiva–Puruṣakāra Discourse and the Elephant-Corps Engagement (भीमगजानीक-सम्भ्रान्ति)
स तत्र गत्वा शैनेयो जवेन जयतां वर: । पार्थपार्षतयो: पार्ष्णिं जग्राह पुरुषर्षभ:,विजयी वीरोंमें श्रेष्ठ पुरुषप्रवर सात्यकिने बड़े वेगसे वहाँ पहुँचकर भीमसेन और धृष्टद्युम्नके पृष्ठपोषणका कार्य सँभाला
sa tatra gatvā śaineyo javena jayatāṃ varaḥ | pārtha-pārṣatayor pārṣṇiṃ jagrāha puruṣarṣabhaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Then Śaineya (Sātyaki), foremost among victors, swiftly reached that spot and, like a bull among men, took up the task of guarding the rear of Pārtha’s and the Pārṣata’s forces—providing steadfast support to Bhīmasena and Dhṛṣṭadyumna in the press of battle. The episode highlights disciplined comradeship: a warrior’s duty is not only to strike, but also to protect allies and hold the line so that the righteous cause does not falter.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores dharma in warfare as disciplined responsibility: true valor includes protecting comrades and sustaining the formation, not merely personal heroics. Sātyaki’s action models loyal service and strategic restraint for the sake of the collective good.
Sātyaki rushes to the critical point in the battle and assumes the rear-guard role—securing the back line of Arjuna and Dhṛṣṭadyumna’s side—thereby supporting Bhīma and Dhṛṣṭadyumna and preventing the enemy from exploiting a vulnerable flank or rear.