Shloka 223
काम्बोजै: शबलैरश्वेरभ्यवर्तत दुर्जय: । चेदिदेशका श्रेष्ठ राजा अत्यन्त बलवान दुर्जय वीर धृष्टकेतु काम्बोजदेशीय चितकबरे घोड़ोंद्वारा युद्धभूमिकी ओर लौट रहा था
kāmbojaiḥ śabalair aśvair abhyavartata durjayaḥ | cedideśakaśreṣṭho rājā atyantabalavān durjayo vīro dhṛṣṭaketuḥ ||
Sañjaya said: The unconquerable hero Dhṛṣṭaketu—king and foremost among the rulers of the Cedi country, exceedingly mighty—turned back toward the battlefield, borne along by the Kāmboja-bred, dappled horses. The verse underscores the relentless momentum of war: even after setbacks, a kṣatriya leader returns to the fray, driven by duty, valor, and allegiance to his side.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights kṣatriya-dharma in wartime: a warrior-king, described as mighty and difficult to defeat, turns back toward battle rather than withdrawing—suggesting steadfastness, courage, and commitment to one’s pledged role, even amid danger.
Sañjaya reports that Dhṛṣṭaketu, the powerful king of Cedi, wheels back toward the battlefield, carried by swift dappled horses associated with the Kāmbojas—signaling his renewed engagement in the ongoing combat.