Shloka 23
रथचिह्नवर्णनम् / Description of Chariot Standards and Allied Advances
तमेनमनुवर्तन्ते सात्यकिप्रमुखा रथा: । पज्चाला: केकया मत्स्या: पाण्डवाश्न विशेषत:,देखो, भीमसेनके पीछे सात्यकि आदि महारथी तथा पांचाल, केकय, मत्स्य और विशेषत: पाण्डव योद्धा भी आ रहे हैं
tam enam anuvartante sātyaki-pramukhā rathāḥ | pāñcālāḥ kekayā matsyāḥ pāṇḍavāś ca viśeṣataḥ ||
Karna said: “Following close behind him, the chariot-warriors led by Sātyaki are advancing. The Pāñcālas, the Kekayas, the Matsyas—and, above all, the Pāṇḍava fighters—are coming in pursuit.”
कर्ण उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the collective resolve and coordinated action of allied forces in war: when a key warrior advances, companions and allied clans follow in support. Ethically, it reflects the kṣatriya-world emphasis on loyalty to one’s side and the duty to stand with one’s leaders in a righteous or sworn cause.
Karna reports that a particular warrior is being closely followed and supported by Sātyaki and other chariot-fighters, along with the Pāñcālas, Kekayas, Matsyas, and especially the Pāṇḍava forces—indicating an organized pursuit/advance by the Pāṇḍava coalition.