Shloka 16
Adhyāya 143: Nocturnal duels—Nākuli and Citraseṇa; Vṛṣasena’s assault; Duḥśāsana vs Prativindhya
एष द्रोणं तथा भोजं॑ कृतवर्माणमेव च । कदर्थीकृत्य विशिखै: फाल्गुनाभ्येति सात्यकि:,'फाल्गुन! यह सात्यकि अपने बाणोंद्वारा द्रोणाचार्य तथा भोजवंशी कृतवर्माका भी तिरस्कार करके तुम्हारे पास आ रहा है
eṣa droṇaṃ tathā bhojaṃ kṛtavarmāṇam eva ca | kadarthīkṛtya viśikhaiḥ phālgunābhyeti sātyakiḥ ||
Sanjaya said: “Behold—Sātyaki, having harried Droṇa and also the Bhoja warrior Kṛtavarman with his sharp arrows, now comes swiftly toward Phālguna (Arjuna).”
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse foregrounds steadfast loyalty and timely support: an ally (Sātyaki) does not remain passive but actively breaks through danger to reach Arjuna. In dharmic terms, it praises committed assistance to one’s chosen righteous side, even when opposed by renowned elders and powerful warriors.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that Sātyaki, after engaging and pressing Droṇa and Kṛtavarman with arrows, is now moving toward Arjuna (Phālguna), implying a tactical convergence to reinforce Arjuna amid intense fighting.