Shloka 72
Kṛṣṇa-vīrya-kathana
Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s appraisal of Vāsudeva’s deeds
सद्यो वृकोदराज्जातो महाबलपराक्रम: । मायावी राक्षसो वीरो यस्मान्मम महद् भयम्,जो भीमसेनसे तत्काल प्रकट हुआ तथा जिससे मुझे महान् भय बना रहता है, वह महान् बल और पराक्रमसे सम्पन्न मायावी राक्षस वीर घटोत्कच कुन्तीकुमारोंकी विजय चाहता है और मेरे पुत्रोंके लिये कंटक बना हुआ है, उस महाकाय घटोत्कचको द्रोणाचार्यके पास आनेसे किसने रोका?
sadyo vṛkodarāj jāto mahābala-parākramaḥ | māyāvī rākṣaso vīro yasmān mama mahad bhayam ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Born at once from Vṛkodara, endowed with immense strength and heroic prowess, that sorcerous Rākṣasa warrior—because of whom I am seized by great fear—(Ghaṭotkaca), who seeks the victory of Kuntī’s sons and stands as a thorn to my sons: who prevented that colossal Ghaṭotkaca from coming to Droṇācārya?”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how extraordinary power—especially when joined to loyalty and a clear aim—can become a decisive factor in war, provoking fear and forcing strategic responses. It also frames the ethical tension of battlefield dharma: opponents recognize valor even in a feared, ‘otherworldly’ warrior, and must still act within the constraints of command and strategy.
The speaker points to Ghaṭotkaca—Bhīma’s son—describing him as a mighty, magical Rākṣasa champion who supports the Pāṇḍavas and threatens the Kauravas. The line culminates in a question: who stopped this huge warrior from reaching Droṇa, implying concern that Ghaṭotkaca’s arrival could disrupt Droṇa’s battle plans and endanger the Kaurava side.