Shloka 71
विराटस्य रथानीकं मत्स्यस्यामित्रधातिन: । प्रेप्सन्तं समरे द्रोणं के वीरा: पर्यवारयन्,शत्रुधाती मत्स्ययाज विराटकी रथसेनाको, जो द्रोणाचार्यको नष्ट करनेकी इच्छासे खोजती हुई आ रही थी, किन वीरोंने रोका था?
virāṭasya rathānīkaṃ matsyasyāmitradhātinaḥ | prepsantaṃ samare droṇaṃ ke vīrāḥ paryavārayan ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “As Droṇa was being sought out in the thick of battle by the chariot-host of Virāṭa of the Matsyas—an enemy-slayer intent on bringing him down—which heroes stood around and checked that advance?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma in practice: even a powerful warrior’s intent must be met by organized resistance, showing that battlefield outcomes depend not only on individual valor but also on disciplined protection, coordination, and the ethical resolve to defend one’s side.
Virāṭa’s Matsya chariot-force advances in battle, intent on finding and striking down Droṇa. The narrator frames a question—who were the warriors that intercepted and held back Virāṭa’s onrush—setting up the next lines that name those defenders.