Shloka 8
Droṇa’s Conditional Boon: The Plan to Capture Yudhiṣṭhira (द्रोणेन युधिष्ठिरग्रहणोपायः)
बलदेवद्वितीयेन कृष्णेनामित्रघातिना । तरस्वी समरे दग्ध: ससैन्य: शूरसेनराट्
baladevadvitīyena kṛṣṇenāmitraghātinā | tarasvī samare dagdhaḥ sasainyaḥ śūrasenarāṭ ||
Vaiśampāyana said: “Accompanied by Baladeva, Kṛṣṇa—the slayer of foes—blazed in battle with irresistible might; and the king of the Śūrasenas, together with his army, was consumed.”
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the overwhelming consequences of concentrated martial power: when a mighty warrior acts with strong support, the result can be total destruction of both ruler and army. It invites reflection on kṣatriya-duty and the moral cost of victory achieved through annihilation.
Vaiśampāyana describes Kṛṣṇa, accompanied by Baladeva, acting with great force in battle, leading to the burning/consuming destruction of the Śūrasena king along with his troops.