Shloka 231
भीमसेन-दुर्योधन-प्रहारः तथा घटोत्कचमायाप्रादुर्भावः | Bhīmasena–Duryodhana Clash and the Manifestation of Ghaṭotkaca’s Māyā
अभिमन्युस्तत: पश्चाद् विराटश्व महारथ: । द्रौपदेयाश्न संहृष्टा राक्षसश्र॒ घटोत्कच:
abhimanyus tataḥ paścād virāṭaś ca mahārathaḥ | draupadeyāś ca saṁhṛṣṭā rākṣasaś ca ghaṭotkacaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: Thereafter came Abhimanyu; and Virāṭa, the great chariot-warrior; the sons of Draupadī, exultant in spirit; and the rākṣasa Ghaṭotkaca. Thus the Pāṇḍava side advanced with a diverse yet united force—youthful valor, royal prowess, and formidable might—each taking up arms in the cause they deemed righteous.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores collective resolve in a dharmic struggle: warriors of different ages, statuses, and even lineages (human and rākṣasa) unite under a shared commitment to their chosen duty, suggesting that righteous purpose can bind diverse strengths into one cause.
Sañjaya enumerates key fighters who advance next on the Pāṇḍava side—Abhimanyu, King Virāṭa, Draupadī’s sons, and Ghaṭotkaca—highlighting their readiness and spirited momentum as the battle formations take shape.