Shloka 18
Sātyaki’s Assurance and the Protection of Dharmarāja (सात्यकिवचनम्—धर्मराजरक्षणविचारः)
अन्वारुरुह्तुः पार्थ युयुधानजनार्दनौ | शर्यातिर्यज्ञमायान्तं यथेन्द्रं देवमश्विनौ,अर्जुनके बैठनेके बाद सात्यकि और श्रीकृष्ण भी उस रथपर आरूढ़ हो गये, मानो राजा शर्यातिके यज्ञमें आते हुए इन्द्रदेवके साथ दोनों अश्विनीकुमार आ रहे हों
anvāruruhatuḥ pārtha yuyudhānajanārdanau | śaryātir yajñam āyāntaṃ yathendraṃ devam aśvinau ||
Sañjaya said: After Pārtha (Arjuna) had taken his seat, Yuyudhāna (Sātyaki) and Janārdana (Kṛṣṇa) also mounted that chariot—like the two Aśvin twins accompanying Indra as he comes to King Śaryāti’s sacrifice.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse underscores dharmic strength through loyal companionship: a principal agent of duty (Arjuna) is reinforced by devoted allies (Sātyaki and Kṛṣṇa). The divine simile suggests that righteous action in crisis is best carried by coordinated support, not isolated heroism.
Sañjaya narrates that after Arjuna sits on the chariot, Sātyaki and Kṛṣṇa also climb aboard. Their arrival is compared to the Aśvin twins accompanying Indra to King Śaryāti’s sacrifice, emphasizing grandeur and auspicious support as they proceed in the war setting.