Shloka 5
भीमसेनस्य प्रतिघातः—भगदत्तगजप्रहारः—घटोत्कचमायायुद्धम्
Bhīma’s Counteroffensive, Bhagadatta’s Elephant Assault, and Ghaṭotkaca’s Māyā Engagement
भूरिश्रवा: शल: शल्यो भगदत्तश्न मारिष । मद्रका: सिन्धुसौवीरास्तथा पाउ्चनदाश्न ये
bhūriśravāḥ śalaḥ śalyo bhagadattaś ca māriṣa | madrakāḥ sindhusauvīrās tathā pañcanadāś ca ye ||
Sañjaya said: “O revered one, Bhūriśravas, Śala, Śalya, and Bhagadatta—as well as the Madras, the Sindhus and Sauvīras, and those who dwell in the land of the five rivers—(all these warriors and peoples are present and arrayed for battle).”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse does not state a direct moral maxim; its ethical force lies in showing how war expands beyond individuals into a web of kingdoms and clans. By naming leaders and peoples, it highlights the collective responsibility and the far-reaching consequences of adharma-driven conflict.
Sañjaya continues reporting to Dhṛtarāṣṭra by enumerating notable warriors and regional contingents present in the battle formation, indicating the breadth and strength of the assembled forces at Kurukṣetra.