Shloka 4
भीमसेनस्य प्रतिघातः—भगदत्तगजप्रहारः—घटोत्कचमायायुद्धम्
Bhīma’s Counteroffensive, Bhagadatta’s Elephant Assault, and Ghaṭotkaca’s Māyā Engagement
अश्वत्थामा कृपश्चैव शीर्षमास्तां यशस्विनौ । त्रैगर्तैरथ कैकेयैर्वाटधानैश्व संयुगे,यशस्वी वीर अश्वत्थामा और कृपाचार्य शिरोभागमें खड़े हुए। इनके साथ त्रिगर्त, केकय और वाटथान भी युद्धभूमिमें उपस्थित थे
aśvatthāmā kṛpaś caiva śīrṣam āstāṃ yaśasvinau | traigartair atha kaikeyair vāṭadhānaiś ca saṃyuge ||
Sañjaya said: The illustrious Aśvatthāmā and Kṛpa took their position at the head of the formation. Along with them in the battle stood the Trigartas, the Kaikeyas, and the Vāṭadhānas.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the ethical weight of command in war: placing famed elders and champions at the front underscores accountability, courage, and the burden leaders bear when directing violence and protecting their troops.
Sañjaya reports troop disposition: Aśvatthāmā and Kṛpa stand at the head of the formation, with allied contingents—Trigartas, Kaikeyas, and Vāṭadhānas—present alongside them on the battlefield.