Shloka 20
Adhyāya 40 (Book 7, Droṇa-parva): Abhimanyu’s Rapid Advance and Battlefield Disruption
केकया धृष्टकेतुश्व मत्स्या: पज्चालसृज्जया: । पाण्डवाश्च मुदा युक्ता युधिष्ठिरपुरोगमा:
kekayā dhṛṣṭaketuś ca matsyāḥ pañcālasṛñjayāḥ | pāṇḍavāś ca mudā yuktā yudhiṣṭhirapurogamāḥ ||
Sañjaya said: The Kekayas, Dhṛṣṭaketu, the Matsyas, and the Pañcālas and Sṛñjayas—together with the Pāṇḍavas led by Yudhiṣṭhira—were filled with joy and high resolve. In the midst of war, their gladness signals renewed confidence and unity of purpose around righteous leadership.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
Even in the violence of war, ethical leadership and unity among allies matter: the verse highlights collective morale and disciplined resolve under Yudhiṣṭhira’s guidance, implying that righteous direction steadies a coalition.
Sañjaya reports to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that multiple allied groups—Kekayas, Matsyas, Pañcālas, Sṛñjayas, and the Pāṇḍavas—are rejoicing and energized, with Yudhiṣṭhira at their head, indicating a moment of renewed confidence on the Pāṇḍava side.