Shloka 53
जयद्रथवधः — The Slaying of Jayadratha
Sunset Vow and Curse-Condition
यवनानां च तत् सैन्यं शकानां च महद्बलम् | ततः स पुरुषव्यात्र: सात्यकि: सत्यविक्रम:
yavanānāṃ ca tat sainyaṃ śakānāṃ ca mahadbalam | tataḥ sa puruṣavyāghraḥ sātyakiḥ satyavikramaḥ ||
Sañjaya said: “There was also that army of the Yavanas, and the great and powerful force of the Śakas. Then Sātyaki—lion among men, whose valor never fails—advanced in response.”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the epic ideal of steadfast valor: a warrior’s resolve is measured not only by strength around him but by unwavering courage when confronted with formidable forces.
Sañjaya reports the presence of powerful contingents—the Yavanas and Śakas—on the battlefield, and then notes Sātyaki’s forward movement/engagement, marking him as a principal hero responding to the situation.