Shloka 23
Droṇa’s Defensive Stand and Abhimanyu Commissioned to Breach the Cakravyūha (द्रोणानीक-प्रतिरोधः; सौभद्र-नियोजनम्)
सुतास्तव महाराज त्रिंशत्त्रिदशसंनिभा: । गान्धारराज: कितव: शल्यो भूरिश्रवास्तथा,पार्श्वत: सिन्धुराजस्य व्यराजन्त महारथा: । महाराज! देवताओंके समान शोभा पानेवाले आपके तीस पुत्र, जुआरी गान्धारराज शकुनि, शल्य तथा भूरिश्रवा--ये महारथी वीर सिंधुराज जयद्रथके पार्श्रभागमें सुशोभित हो रहे थे
saṃjaya uvāca | sutās tava mahārāja triṃśat tridaśa-saṃnibhāḥ | gāndhāra-rājaḥ kitavaḥ śalyo bhūriśravās tathā | pārśvataḥ sindhu-rājasya vyarājanta mahā-rathāḥ |
Sañjaya said: O great king, your thirty sons, radiant like the gods, along with the Gandhāra king Śakuni—skilled in deceitful play—Śalya, and Bhūriśravas, stood as mighty chariot-warriors, shining at the flank of the Sindhu king Jayadratha. The verse underscores how outward splendor and formidable alliances can mask ethically compromised counsel, as the Kaurava host gathers around a key ally in the war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts external brilliance and military strength with the moral quality of counsel and intent: even when warriors appear “godlike,” association with deceit (signaled by calling Śakuni a kitava) hints that splendor and power do not guarantee dharmic conduct.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that the Kaurava princes and leading allies—Śakuni, Śalya, and Bhūriśravas—are positioned beside Jayadratha, forming a strong protective flank around him within the battle formation.