Shloka 40
शैनेयचरितम्
The Exploits of Śaineya/Sātyaki amid Encirclement
दुःशासनस्त्ववस्थाप्य स्वमनीकममर्षण: । सात्यकिं प्रत्ययौ क्रुद्ध: शूरो रथवरं युधि
duḥśāsanas tv avasthāpya svamanīkam amarṣaṇaḥ | sātyakiṃ pratyayau kruddhaḥ śūro rathavaraṃ yudhi ||
Sañjaya said: Having set his own division in order, the irascible Duḥśāsana—angered—advanced against Sātyaki, that heroic and foremost of chariot-warriors, in the midst of battle. The verse underscores how wrath and wounded pride drive combatants to single out worthy opponents, intensifying the moral and human cost of war.
संजय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights how anger (krodha) and intolerance (amarṣa) can become decisive motives in war, pushing warriors into escalatory confrontations. Ethically, it points to the inner causes that intensify violence—pride and wrath—beyond mere duty.
Sañjaya reports that Duḥśāsana first arranges his own military division and then, in anger, advances to engage Sātyaki—described as a heroic, foremost chariot-fighter—signaling a direct clash between notable champions.