Shloka 22
द्रोणवध-प्रश्नः
Droṇa’s Fall: Dhṛtarāṣṭra’s Inquiry
धेष्टकेतुस्तु चेदीनामृषभो5तिबलोदित:
Dheṣṭaketus tu cedīnām ṛṣabho ’tibalo dyutiḥ.
Sañjaya said: Dheṣṭaketu, the foremost bull among the Cedi warriors—of extraordinary strength and radiant prowess—stood out in that battle array, marked by his might and martial splendor.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights the kṣatriya ideal of recognized excellence in battle—strength, leadership, and conspicuous presence—showing how epic narrative praises martial virtue while situating it within the larger, morally complex war.
Sañjaya is describing notable fighters on the battlefield; here he singles out Dheṣṭaketu as the foremost among the Cedi forces, emphasizing his exceptional strength and splendor as the battle unfolds.