Shloka 40
Adhyāya 65: Dawn Assembly, Makara–Śyena Vyūhas, and Commander Engagements
ततस्तु द्रौपदीपुत्रा: सौभद्रश्न महारथ: । नकुल: सहदेवश्व धृष्टद्युम्नश्व॒ पार्षत:
tatastu draupadīputrāḥ saubhadraś ca mahārathaḥ | nakulaḥ sahadevaś ca dhṛṣṭadyumnaś ca pārṣataḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Then the sons of Draupadī, and Abhimanyu the great chariot-warrior (son of Subhadrā), along with Nakula and Sahadeva, and Dhṛṣṭadyumna the son of Pṛṣata, all began to protect Bhīmasena’s rear. Mounted on elephants, they rushed about and showered arrows, like clouds pouring raindrops upon mountains.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma in action on the battlefield: steadfast loyalty, coordinated protection of comrades, and disciplined courage. Even amid violence, the ethical emphasis is on guarding one’s ally and fulfilling one’s role within a larger collective duty.
Sañjaya describes how Draupadī’s sons, Abhimanyu, Nakula, Sahadeva, and Dhṛṣṭadyumna move to secure Bhīma’s rear. From elephants they surge through the fight, releasing dense volleys of arrows, compared to clouds raining on mountains.